The Basics

Score: Evangel 0, (15) Oklahoma Wesleyan 1 | Box Score

Record: Evangel (3-7-3, 2-4-2), OKWU (9-1-3, 7-0-2)

Location: Springfield, Mo. (Coryell Field)

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Valor Women's Soccer hosted nationally ranked #15 Oklahoma Wesleyan on Wednesday (Oct. 11) evening, looking to pull off the upset against a strong attacking Eagles team. Evangel played a strong overall game, giving OKWU all they could handle, but ultimately falling to the Eagles, 1-0.

The Oklahoma Wesleyan offense, led by attacker Tania Mocholi, put forth several opportunities in the first half. The goalkeeping duo of Chloe Hancock and Rylee Clapp were solid in goal, not allowing a goal in the first 27 minutes of the match. Mocholi, the NAIA leader in goals, found an opportunity on a nice pass, burying the shot to give OKWU a 1-0 lead. The Evangel defense locked down the OKWU offense after the first goal and EU nearly found their equalizer at the 40 minute mark. A nice through pass from Anna Crain found the feet of McKenzie Calhoun, but after an initial shot was blocked by the Eagles keeper, Calhoun's second shot went wide right. On the ensuing corner, Alexa-Marie Campbell and Ava Campbell both recorded shots that were blocked, as EU went into the halftime break, down 1-0.

The Valor defense remained strong in the second half, with Rylee Clapp putting forth a shut down performance to keep OKWU from adding to their lead. At the 78 minute mark, Anna Crain nearly tied the game up, getting a fast break, but shooting wide to the right. Evangel found their final opportunity at the 87:23 mark. After an OKWU defender prevented Crain from pursuing a ball, Crain was awarded a free kick. Anna's free kick was a solid hit, but the OKWU keeper was able to record the save, as EU came up just short, 1-0.

HIGHLIGHTS

• OKWU outshot Evangel, 35-5, but the Valor defense only conceded a single goal.

• Rylee Clapp recorded 11 saves in the loss, her career high in goal.

• Anna Crain recorded Evangel's lone shot on goal.

QUOTABLE

"While we didn't get the result, I am beyond proud of our ladies this evening. We played a brilliant match and gave a top fifteen team in the nation all they could handle tonight. Collectively, our team defended amazingly and we did the best job of the season handling corner kicks in the match. Our back four handled one of the best forwards in the country and Rylee Clapp did a brilliant job stepping into goal this evening," Women's Soccer Head Coach Bruce Deaton stated. "I'd rather get a win any time but I am beyond proud of the play and passion of this team tonight!"

UP NEXT

Evangel Women's Soccer hits the road to take on the McPherson Bulldogs on Saturday (Oct. 14) afternoon at 12:00 p.m.

For the latest information on Evangel Athletics, visit Facebook at Facebook.com/EvangelValor, Twitter (@EvangelValor), or EvangelAthletics.com. Fans can also receive updates on their favorite EU teams by downloading the Evangel Athletics Gameday App through the App Store or Google Play.