Box Score

The Malone University women's soccer team (2-1-1) battled Eastern Oregon University (4-0-1) to a hard fought 1-1 draw on Monday afternoon at Pioneer field.

Things didn't go according to plan early for the Pioneers as they surrendered a penalty kick for the second consecutive game in just the 15th minute. Eastern Oregon's Erika Whitehurst converted the spot kick to give the Mountaineers a one-goal lead, the same margin they would take into halftime.

The Pioneers stormed out of the gate to start the second half. Senior Ally Smith nearly drew the home side equal with a cracking free kick from 30 yards out but the shot rang off the crossbar. The rebound bounded in the box but was nodded over the goal by sophomore Leah Arnold.

The Pioneers would cash in on their opportunity minutes later, however, when freshman Christine Najjar did well to shield her defender off the ball and slip a penetrating pass to freshman Brianna Smith. Smith took a nifty touch around the defender then cut the ball back on to her left foot dragging the keeper out of position and allowing her to knot the score at 1.

Najjar almost played hero as the seconds ticked off in regulation but her header from a corner kick went over the goal as time expired. Both teams defended relentlessly in the extra stanzas to ensure the draw. Sophomore Amanda Najjar and freshman Simone Keibler were particularly stout defensively for the Pioneers in shutting down Eastern Oregon's attack.

Eastern Oregon outshot Malone 11-9 for the match while shots on goal were three to three. Sophomore Staci Hackett advanced to 2-1-1 on the season by making two saves.

Malone's next contest will take place on Friday, September 20th when the squad opens Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) play by welcoming Saginaw Valley State University (MI) to town for a 3:00 tilt.  Live stats will be available during the contest at http://www.sidearmstats.com/malone/wsoc/