HARRISONBURG, Va. - The Royals were back in action Saturday night, to wrap up the Homecoming festivities against the Randolph College Wildcats.
Both teams would fiercely compete from the very beginning, but the efforts were not reflected in the box score as the game went to halftime with a scoreless draw. The intensity would continue in the second half before the Wildcats managed to score a late goal that would give them a 1-0 win.
Records EMU 4-7-2, 2-3 ODAC | Randolph College 7-2-3, 3-2-1 ODAC
Highlights
- CJ Jefferson came up big in the first half, picking up four saves to keep Randolph off the board.
- The Royals only shot on goal of the first half came in the 25th minute after a good attempt from Bridget Hay that the Randolph goalkeeper would capture successfully. A late blocked shot by Esme Cardoso would send the game to halftime with the score knotted at zero.
- Both teams would carry the high intensity from the first half into the second half. Hannah Kepler was a great example of that after two early shots on goal that were saved by the Randolph goalkeeper.
- In the 71st minute of the match, Maggie Ladd would come in clutch for the Royals when she made a goal-line clearance after a scramble in the box that would have put Randolph on top.
- Despite that great effort by EMU's defense, the Wildcats would score 10 minutes later after a shot that sailed just over the outstretched arm of Jefferson, hit the crossbar and bounced into the EMU goal.
- The Royals would have one more chance to score in the 86th minute when Anneliese Denlinger fired a shot on goal. But it was turned away by the keeper to seal the shutout.
Statistical Leaders
Saves: Jefferson (7)
SOG: Kepler (2), Hay and Denlinger (1)
What's Next
The Royals will be back in action Wednesday as they travel to Bridgewater College for another edition of the Route 42 Rivalry. Kickoff is set for 4:00 PM.
To keep up to date with everything surrounding EMU women's soccer, follow EMU on Twitter and Instagram, like EMU Athletics on Facebook or visit our website.
