Even though the EMU soccer women lost Saturday afternoon, they served notice that they are again a team to be reckoned with in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference.  The Royals stayed close to powerful Washington and Lee before eventually falling 2-0 to the team picked to finish third in the ODAC's preseason poll.

The Generals averaged 4.7 goals per game in ODAC play last fall, including a 9-0 thumping of EMU.  This time around, the Royals were ready.  Despite playing without starting defender Asia Malcolm (Richmond, Va./John Randolph Tucker), Eastern Mennonite allowed just seven shots on goal and kept WLU scoreless until the 32nd minute.  The Generals got a quick score on a breakaway, and just over three minutes later snuck another goal in on a shot which keeper Becca Borg (Gig Harbor, Wash./Peninsula) got a hand on but couldn't push away.

The women struggled to get their offense in rhythm, but had some of their best chances in the 53rd minute.  Forward Nora Osei (Springfield, Va./West Springfield) made a run only to have her shot blocked, and a corner kick seconds later cleared through the box without anyone getting a touch on it.

Borg made five saves to keep the game close.

The loss is Eastern Mennonite's first of the year, sending them to 4-1 overall and 0-1 in the ODAC.  They look to rebound against Trinity (DC) Wednesday night at 7:00pm in Harrisonburg.