The Basics

Score: Evangel 1, William Woods 1 | Box Score

Record: Evangel (1-2-1), William Woods (2-3-1)

Location: Springfield, Mo. (Coryell Field)

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Valor Women's Soccer looked to bounce back on Wednesday (Sept. 6) evening, after a tough loss to Stephens, against a solid William Woods squad. Despite trailing after a visitor goal in the first half, Evangel was able to fight back, using strong offensive play to even the score, earning a tie with the Owls, 1-1.

Evangel was able to begin the game with strong offensive pressure, getting off two shots in the first minute of the match. Both teams traded shots until William Woods found their opportunity, hitting a ball sky high that just barely landed past Chloe Hancock's gloves, giving the Owls a 1-0 lead. The Valor were able to record three shots after the Owls goal, but none put up a large threat to the Owls keeper. Evangel nearly had a great opportunity of their own to end the half, but time expired just as the Valor were able to get a shot off, as they trailed 1-0, heading into halftime.

The Valor came out of the half with a strong offensive attack, needing to draw back into the game. After a yellow card on the Owls, Evangel earned that exact opportunity. Anna Crain hit a free kick into the box that found Emily Oedewaldt who tipped the ball to Reese Hertel who scored the game tying goal, 1-1. Evangel and William Woods kept a tight battle as both teams were able to get several good opportunities at goals. With just 8:32 remaining, Alece Hershey had Evangel's best shot at a game winner. Hershey's shot was nearly perfectly placed, but the Owls goalkeeper played the ball, slapping it down and securing the save. Evangel was able to threaten with a corner in the last 10 seconds, but could not capitalize, as both teams took a draw, 1-1.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Reese Hertel scored Evangel's lone goal of the evening, her first of the season.

• Alece Hershey led the team with three shots this evening.

• Evangel outshot the Owls for shots on goal, 12-7.

QUOTABLE

"It was a very good match tonight against a very sound team - I am especially proud of the heart and resilience of the ladies tonight as they battled back from being down a goal at half to level it," Women's Soccer Head Coach Bruce Deaton stated. "Our adjustment tactically for the second half really created some very good opportunities. I'm always looking for the win, but am very pleased with our effort tonight to earn a point with the draw."

UP NEXT

Evangel Women's Soccer hits the road, taking on NCAA D-III Hendrix College on Saturday (Sept. 9) evening, beginning at 6:00 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.