The Basics

Score: Evangel 1, #12 John Brown 6 | Box Score

Record: Evangel (1-2-1), John Brown (3-2-1)

Location: Springfield, Mo. (Coryell Field)

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Valor Women's Soccer returned home on Tuesday (Sept. 10) evening, hosting the nationally ranked John Brown Golden Eagles at Coryell Field. The Valor fought hard against a strong JBU offense, but came up short on Tuesday, 6-1.

John Brown's offense came out quick, scoring in the first 11 minutes of Tuesday's match. The Eagles were able to take a 2-0 lead at the 16:42 mark before McKenzie Calhoun and Ava Campbell were able to get strong chances at goal. Another pair of JBU shots scored, as EU fell behind 4-0. Dajah Boykin nearly scored a goal at the 27:02 mark and one of Evangel's best chances came when Anna Crain was awarded a free kick, nearly scoring on a shot that went just high of the goal. The Valor ended the half with a shot coming from Sophia Weeks that was saved by the keeper, ultimately trailing at the break, 6-0.

The Valor defense came out very strong to open the second half, keeping the ball in their attacking portion of the field at the beginning of the period. Evangel was awarded a corner just before the 50 minute mark that Anna Crain took. Crain was able to get the ball in the box and McKenzie Calhoun sent the ball home, scoring Evangel's first goal to make it a 6-1 game. Evangel's defense continued their strong play in the second half, keeping the Eagles off the board, but the Valor offense could not generate any additional scores, falling 6-1 in full time.

HIGHLIGHTS

• John Brown outshot Evangel, 28-8.

• McKenzie Calhoun scored her first goal of the season in the loss.

• Anna Crain earned her first assist of the season in the second half.

QUOTABLE

"While I understand we lost the match, but I can say without hesitation, we took a huge leap forward to truly becoming the great team I believe this team truly is. We knew entering the match how good they (JBU) were, they are ranked 12th in the nation for a reason. What I am most proud of is their response in the second half. We adjusted defensively and we challenged them to play with heart, work hard, play with passion, and not concede another goal and attack to score. We did that in a BIG way!," Women's Soccer Head Coach Bruce Deaton stated. "We executed a newly instilled set piece to score the goal and we played for each other defensively to keep them off the board in the second half. As much as we hate to lose a match, this game has helped us in a major way to be ready to make a run in conference play which starts next week. I am proud of these ladies and am excited for what we will be able to accomplish in conference play. Go Valor Women's Soccer!"

UP NEXT

Evangel opens conference play next Wednesday (Sept. 18) evening at 5:00 p.m. against the Avila Eagles at home.

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.