Atchison, Kan. –  The No. 8 Central Methodist women's soccer team opened their season against No. 23 Benedictine College Wednesday night in Atchison, Kansas, as the Ravens edged the Eagles by a score of 3-2. Tonight's contest served as a rematch of last year's Heart of America Athletic Conference tournament championship game. 

CMU falls to 0-1 overall and 0-1 in the Heart while the Ravens improve to 1-0 overall and in conference action. 

Two early goals by the Ravens, courtesy of Rachel Beffa in the 9th minute, and Natalie Duque in the 25th minute gave BC an early 2-0 lead in the first half. The Eagles responded with a goal of their in the 27th minute. Freshman Sandra Jakobsen, fired a shot from the top of the box and the ball was deflected, catching the keeper off guard and finding the back of the net for the Eagles' first goal of 2020. Central would enter halftime trailing the Ravens, 2-1.

CMU started the second half strong and posted a couple of shots on the offensive attack. But Benedictine would extend their lead with 31 minutes left in regulation off a goal by Paulina Carles. CMU would respond once again with a goal to cut the lead to 3-2 with 11 minutes to play in the match. After a foul suffered by Sandra Jakobsen, freshman Aina Cantero scored the free-kick from the top of the box, marking her first career goal for Central. 

As an offense, the Eagles recorded 18 total shots with eight coming on frame compared to the Ravens' six shots and five coming on goal. Senior Andrea Villar recorded five shots with two on goal and teammate Anika Kallash collected four with three coming on frame. 

Sheila Sanchez picked up two saves against six shots faced in between the posts for CMU. 

Central Methodist will continue conference action with Heart foe Graceland University Saturday, Sept. 19 at 6:30 p.m. at Davis Field. 

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