Prescott, Ariz. — OUAZ women's soccer faced another tough GSAC test on Saturday evening, falling 3-0 to No. 9 Embry-Riddle at Varsity Field. The loss moves the Spirit to 6-6-3 overall and 4-5-2 in GSAC play.
OUAZ battled throughout the match against the unbeaten Eagles, who entered the contest at 11-0-2 overall and 9-0-1 in conference play. The Spirit defense kept the match within reach for much of the evening, led by another strong performance from goalkeeper Eerika Erjansalo.
Erjansalo recorded six saves, including five in the opening half, as she repeatedly denied Eagle scoring chances and helped keep the match a one-goal game through the opening 45 minutes.
Embry-Riddle broke through in the 20th minute when Tessa Updegraff found the back of the net, giving the Eagles a 1-0 advantage they carried into halftime. Despite being held without a shot in the first half, the Spirit remained within striking distance thanks to their defensive effort.
The Eagles added to their lead early in the second half when Jamie Brandon scored in the 47th minute. OUAZ responded with more attacking opportunities, including attempts from Desiree Dutra and Anjeli DesRosier as the Spirit searched for a way back into the match.
Meredith Galus nearly put OUAZ on the board in the closing minutes, recording the Spirit's lone shot on goal of the night in the 83rd minute, but Embry-Riddle goalkeeper Aubrianne Dupre made the save. Brandon added a second goal in the 72nd minute to account for the final 3-0 margin.
Defensively, OUAZ continued to compete until the final whistle, limiting several additional Eagle opportunities while receiving solid contributions across the back line. The Spirit finished with three shots and held Embry-Riddle to three goals despite facing 16 shots from one of the conference's top offenses.
The Spirit will return home on Thursday, Oct. 22, when they host GSAC rival Arizona Christian at Spirit Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. as OUAZ looks to rebound and strengthen its position in the conference standings.
