The Basics

Score: Evangel 0, Avila 2 | Box Score

Record: Evangel (1-3-1, 0-1-0), Avila (4-1-1)

Location: Springfield, Mo. (Coryell Field)

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Valor Women's Soccer concluded their home stand on Wednesday (Sept. 18) evening, playing host to the Avila Eagles in their first conference match of the season. An evenly matched game would come down to a pair of late goals, as Avila took a 2-0 win over Evangel in the conference opener.

Both the Valor and Eagles generated strong chances in the first half. Ava Campbell had an opportunity early, but fired it right to the keeper who made the save. One of Evangel's best chances came from Sarah Wilkins, who put a shot from 30 yards out just wide left of the goal. Anna Crain was also able to generate an opportunity, but her shot came up just right of the goal. Strong defensive plays from the Valor backline and Rylee Clapp held the Eagles scoreless, as both teams took a 0-0 tie into the halftime break.

McKenzie Calhoun opened the second half with a strong chance at goal, but her shot was again stopped by the Eagles keeper. The Valor were unable to generate many opportunities in the middle of the second half and with under 10 minutes remaining, a foul in the box by Evangel gave the Eagles a penalty kick. Avila converted the penalty, taking a 1-0 lead over the Valor. A miscommunication on defense allowed Avila to score a second goal just a minute later, making it a 2-0 game. Alece Hershey was able to put a pair of shots on goal in the final few minutes, one of which appeared to be in, but ultimately the Valor fell, 2-0.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Avila outshot Evangel, 18-10.

• Alece Hershey led the team with a pair of shots on goal.

• Rylee Clapp finished her evening with six saves.

QUOTABLE

"Once again, we did a number of very positive things throughout our match. Our ability to move the ball continues to be very good overall and we play good football when we are in possession. There were a few very real things that impacted the outcome of the match this evening. The pace and physicality of our play did not match our opponent during key moments of the game," Women's Soccer Head Coach Bruce Deaton stated. "While we created some solid chances, we just have to keep getting better and convert them. I know there is another level that we just did not get to tonight and I will take the blame for that. I will focus on getting us to that level for our next match on Saturday."

UP NEXT

Evangel hits the road on Saturday (Sept. 21) afternoon, traveling to Salina, Kansas, to take on the Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes 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.