SPRING ARBOR, Mich. – The Spring Arbor University women's soccer team overcame a second-half deficit and scored the winning goal while playing a player down to defeat No. 5 ranked Marian University 2-1 on Saturday afternoon at the Cougar Soccer Complex.
Ava Staker scored in the 78th minute to give the No. 11 ranked Cougars the victory. Spring Arbor improved to 11-2-2 overall and 5-1-1 in the Crossroads League, while Marian moved to 10-2-2 overall and 4-2-1 in conference play.
After a scoreless first half, Marian took the lead just 89 seconds after the break on a goal from Olivia Parmer. The goal ended SAU's run of five consecutive shutouts.
Tessa Ponstein brought the Cougars level in the 59th minute, scoring her third goal of the season off an assist from
Claire VanZanten.
Spring Arbor was reduced to 10 players following a second yellow card in the 72nd minute, but found the deciding goal less than six minutes later.
Alana Simmons had a shot saved by Marian goalkeeper Lily Ames before Staker scored off the rebound for her first goal of the season.
The Cougars protected the lead through the remaining 13 minutes to extend their unbeaten streak to six matches.
Kailey Walcott made two saves in the opening half, while
Mia Warner recorded three second-half saves to earn the win. Marian finished with a 12-7 advantage in shots, but both teams put six attempts on goal.
Spring Arbor has two regular-season matches remaining, beginning with a home contest against Bethel University on Saturday, Oct. 24, at 4 p.m. The Cougars close the regular season at Goshen College on Wednesday, Oct. 28.
