SURPRISE, ARIZ. - The Spirit got its first chance at a ranked team this season on Thursday, and it did not end the way they were hoping.

Tenth ranked Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University got a goal from Sierra Vicente in the 20', and that is all they needed as the Eagles topped the Spirit 1-0. This loss marks the Spirit's second straight loss.

It was also the first game back at Spirit Field after OUAZ allowed four goals in the second half in a 4-2 loss at Corban. Even though the Spirit did not get the result they were looking for, head coach Skelly Kellar thought his team fought well.

"I thought we tried to compete," Kellar said. "We showed a lot of grit tonight. I was excited about that."

Krysten Caballero was a solid force in net, making seven saves. Embry-Riddle had 22 shot attempts, though only eight were on target. The Spirit had five shots on target.

Playing a ranked team like Embry-Riddle can be great experience, even in a loss. The GSAC portion of the schedule is coming up soon, and a game like this could help the Spirit gear up for a tough conference.

"We have to learn, and we have to grow from this," Kellar said. "I can definitely see we are making improvements, but have to continue to get better."

OUAZ does not have to wait long to get back on the pitch, as they will take on Marymount California on Saturday morning. Scheduled kickoff at Spirit Field is 10:00AM.