COLUMBIA, Ky. – A late goal proved to be the difference Saturday night as No. 19 Spring Arbor University fell 2-1 on the road to No. 13 Lindsey Wilson University.
Spring Arbor moved to 5-1-1 with its first loss of the season, while Lindsey Wilson improved to 3-1-1.
The Cougars wasted little time getting on the scoreboard. Just 1:46 into the match,
Alana Simmons set up
Megan Mihaly for the opening goal, giving SAU an early 1-0 advantage.
Lindsey Wilson responded in the 17th minute when Ashiat Naluggwa found the back of the net to level the match at 1-1. The Blue Raiders generated a few shots late in the opening half, but
Mia Warner made three saves to keep the score even heading into the break.
Spring Arbor began to create more opportunities in the second half.
Karly Miller forced a save in the 60th minute, while
Alana Simmons put another attempt on frame in the 68th. SAU continued to push forward and nearly moved in front in the 85th minute when
Isa Martinez's shot struck the crossbar.
Less than three minutes later, Lindsey Wilson found the deciding goal. Warner stopped an initial attempt from Eva Cova, but Ona Monserrat Baca scored off the rebound to give the Blue Raiders the 2-1 advantage.
The two nationally ranked sides were nearly even statistically. Lindsey Wilson held a 14-13 advantage in shots and an 8-4 edge in shots on goal, while the Blue Raiders earned four corner kicks compared to two for SAU. Warner played all 90 minutes in goal and finished with six saves.
Spring Arbor continues its road trip Wednesday, Sept. 16 when it visits Rochester Christian University.
