The Basics

Score: Evangel 1, Ottawa 2 | Box Score

Record: Evangel (5-8-4, 4-5-3), Ottawa (6-5-6, 6-1-5)

Location: Springfield, Mo. (Coryell Field)

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – After defeating Sterling College last Friday, Valor Women's Soccer competed in the home finale, hosting the Ottawa Braves on Wednesday (Oct. 25) evening. Despite the Valor scoring an equalizing goal in the final 10 minutes of the match, Ottawa would score a game winner in the final three minutes, escaping with a 2-1 win over the Valor.

Neither team would score a goal in the first half, as both teams were able to find solid opportunities that they could not capitalize on. One of Evangel's best chances came late in the first half, as Kylee McKay was able to break free. McKay's shot would have been a good one, but a strong northern wind on Wednesday evening, pushed the shot away, as both teams took a scoreless tie into the halftime break.

Ottawa scored in the 58th minute to take a 1-0 lead over Evangel, but the EU offense would not go down without a fight. McKenzie Calhoun would register a pair of shots in the half to keep the keeper on her toes, until Evangel earned their opportunity. A hand ball by Ottawa in the box allowed the Valor a penalty shot that Anna Crain buried at the 82:06 mark of the game, Crain's 10th goal of the season. Although Evangel's defense would continue to play tough, a foul called on the Valor led to an Ottawa free kick. The kick would break through Evangel's wall of bodies, ricocheting off a back and going into the goal at the 87:08 mark, as Ottawa came away with a 2-1 victory over Evangel.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Evangel was outshot, 14-12, in the 2-1 loss.

• Anna Crain scored her 10th goal of the season in the second half.

• Chloe Hancock recorded eight saves in goal.

QUOTABLE

"I can say without hesitation that we played a brilliant football match tonight. Honestly in the end, in those closing minutes of the game, the ball truly didn't bounce our way. But throughout a very even match, we defended very well, did a great job in possession and movement and created a number of real quality chances," Women's Soccer Head Coach Bruce Deaton stated. "I am so incredibly proud of these ladies and how they played tonight!! I absolutely loved the confidence of Anna Crain as she stepped up and converted the penalty for her 10th goal of the season."

UP NEXT

Evangel Women's Soccer competes in the regular season finale on Saturday (Oct. 28) afternoon, needing a win to have a chance at the playoffs, against the York Panthers, in York, Nebraska, at noon.

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.