The Ashland University women's soccer team had a chance to score an equalizer late against Saginaw Valley State, but the Cardinals just held on for a 2-1 win over the Eagles on Friday (Oct. 20) night at Ferguson Field.
The Eagles (9-5-1, 6-2 GLIAC) lost for just the second time in their last eight games and had a three-game winning streak stopped.
The Cardinals (8-5-1, 4-3-1 GLIAC) were able to generate chances early in the game and it paid off in the 15th minute when Molly Vanderhoff cut in from the left side and drove a shot inside the far post to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.
Ashland reestablished possession after the goal and looked threatening at times. In the 43rd minute, a dangerous ball was played into the box and the Cardinals were whistled for a handball. That sent senior Morgan Bittengle to the penalty spot and she coolly scored to tie the game at 1 just minutes before halftime.
The Eagles were steady on the back line in the second half as they withstood some pressure from Saginaw Valley, but a shot from distance by Whitney Fleming gave the Cardinals a 2-1 lead in the 69th minute.
The Eagles won a corner kick with 40 seconds left, and after a scramble in the box, the ball came free for freshman Emily Mark, but her shot was stopped by SVSU keeper Alyssa Watts, who had perfect position at the near post.
The ball eventually went out for another corner kick with nine seconds left, but the set-piece was well-defended, ending the Eagles' chance at a late game-tying goal.
Saginaw Valley State held a 14-9 advantage in shots, but Ashland led in corner kicks, 7-1. Freshman keeper Abby Lampe made four saves in the game.
The Eagles will now look to rebound on Sunday (Oct. 22) at noon when they take on Northwood. Ashland has not lost consecutive games this season.
AU
WSOC/BB
