Box Score The Eastern Mennonite women's soccer team opened up its play at the Mary Washington Classic in Fredericksburg, VA, Saturday afternoon by taking on Alvernia. The deeper Crusaders scored a first-half goal and made it last, handing EMU a 1-0 loss.
After a quiet first few minutes to the game, Alvernia broke through for a goal in the 26th minute. Keeper Jenni Beck (Archbold, OH/Archbold) came out of the game at that point due to dehydration, meaning defender Michelle Miller (Sarasota, FL/Sarasota Christian) took over in goal and further pinched the short bench.
As the half wore to a close, the Lady Royals took over the momentum. Laura Beckler (Richmond, VA/Atlee) and Taylor Wenger (New Holland, PA/Lancaster Mennonite) each had shots at the goal in the closing minutes, but Alvernia's keeper made a save each time.
In the second half, the Crusaders continued to sub freely. They put 22 different players on the field by the end of the game, while EMU used just 14 players. The fresh legs showed, as Alvernia kept the Lady Royals away from the net in the second half and took the 1-0 decision.
Miller ended up with a pair of saves, the first of her collegiate career, in her emergency time in goal. EMU was out-shot 10-3, including 4-2 in shots on goal.
The Lady Royals slide to 0-4 with the loss. It was also their third 1-0 score of the season. The women will play again Sunday afternoon at the classic in Fredericksburg, taking on Methodist at 12:30pm.
