Atchison, Kan. – The Central Methodist University women's soccer team struck first Wednesday evening, but then allowed four second half goals in their 4-1 loss to the 12th ranked Benedictine College Ravens in Atchison, Kansas.
With the loss, the Eagles fall to 12-3-2 overall, and 6-3-2 in the Heart of America Athletic Conference. The loss puts CMU in a four-way tie for fourth place in the conference, with Culver-Stockton College, Missouri Valley College, and Grand View University. Every team has one game left to play. With the victory Wednesday, the 12th ranked Ravens improve to 14-3 overall and 9-2 in The Heart.
The Eagles and Ravens took some time on Wednesday to feel one another out. The Central offense broke through first, in the 26th minute of the first half. Rebecca Steele-Mackey (JR/Wasilla, Alaska) sent a corner-kick in for CMU, that bounced off of the far post and went into the back of the net to give CMU a 1-0 lead. That lead would hold for the Eagles going into halftime.
In the second half, the Ravens offense came alive for four goals. Benedictine struck first in the 51st minute, and scored off a free-kick to even the game at 1-1. The scoring didn't stop there for the Ravens, as they scored three more times in the 52nd minute, the 57th minute, and the 67th minute. In the end, the Ravens came out victorious 4-1.
Benedictine outshot the Eagles 27-7, and 15-4 on shots on goal. CMU freshman keeper Ashlynn Freeman (FR/Moberly, Mo.) played 75 minutes in net, allowing four goals, and recording eight saves. Mercedes Daniels (FR/Kansas City, Mo.) came in to play the final 14 minutes, and recorded three saves.
Central closes out the regular season this Saturday at home against Mount Mercy University. It's Homecoming for CMU, as they face the Mustangs at 5pm at Davis Field. Come early for the Senior Night festivities.
For more information about Central Methodist University athletics, visit http://www.cmueagles.com. Follow CMU athletics on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cmathletics and on Twitter twitter.com/cmueagles.
