HARRISONBURG, Va. – The WildCats are undefeated no more.

Two Esme Cardoso-Rodriguez goals, along with lockdown defense, helped the Royals take down previously unbeaten, Randolph College, 1-0 in non-ODAC play Wednesday night.

Records: EMU 2-7-1, 0-1 ODAC | Randolph College 5-1-2, 0-0 ODAC

Hightlights

• Both defenses were playing tough to start the game, as EMU wasn't able to get a shot on goal through the first 19 minutes, and Randolph could only get a pair, one saved from Aja Laun and the other a team save, to keep the game scoreless.
• 20' – In the 20^th minute, after a Royals goal kick, Cardoso-Rodriguez blasted a shot on goal, that beat the WildCat keeper middle high, for her team-leading third goal of the season. Randolph picked up two more shots on net in the final 25 minutes of the half, but both were turned away by Laun as EMU took a 1-0 lead into the break.
• Laun continued her strong performance in the second half, tallying five saves to keep the WildCats off the board. It looked like Randolph might be able to tie it in the 75^th minute as a shot off the foot Carlynne Wright went high and clanged off the crossbar, keeping RC off the board.
• 88' - The Royals got their insurance goal late in the game. After a Laun goal kick got to about the 50, Randolph was unable to clear it. Angel Hines poked it forward to Maggie Ladd, who found a streaking Cardoso-Rodriguez. She dribbled it to just inside the box, fired a shot on goal that found its way past the diving WildCats keeper for a 2-0 lead.
• The Royals defense kept Randolph without a shot on goal in the final 11 minutes of the game, helping Laun keep the shutout intact. This win is the Royals first over Randolph since the 2019 season.

Statistical Leaders
Cardoso-Rodriguez: 2 goals
Laun: 8 saves

What's Next
EMU will continue ODAC play on Saturday when they head to Virginia Beach for a showdown with Virginia Wesleyan. Kickoff against the Marlins is set for 1 pm.  

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