Surprise, Ariz. — OUAZ women's soccer returned to Spirit Field for the first time this season on Thursday evening, opening Great Southwest Athletic Conference play against No. 3 Embry-Riddle. Despite a determined effort against one of the top teams in the NAIA, the Spirit fell by an 8-0 final score.
OUAZ battled throughout the match and generated several scoring opportunities against the nationally ranked Eagles. Alee Williams, Desiree Dutra, and Kylie Walker each put shots on target in the second half, while Grace Otero added another chance as the Spirit looked to break through offensively.
Defensively, the Spirit faced constant pressure from Embry-Riddle's attack. Goalkeeper Eerika Erjansalo recorded five saves in the opening half before Adriana Duarte entered after halftime and added four saves of her own. Together, the duo combined for nine saves on the evening.
After trailing 3-0 at halftime, OUAZ continued to compete throughout the second half, earning a corner kick and creating multiple chances in the attacking third against one of the nation's premier programs.
The Spirit now sit at 0-2-1 overall and 0-1 in Great Southwest Athletic Conference play as they continue their opening stretch of conference competition.
OUAZ will head on the road this Saturday, September 12th when they take on ACU, and then will be back at Spirit Field on Wednesday, Sept. 16, when it hosts Park-Gilbert in a GSAC matchup. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. as the Spirit look to earn their first conference points of the season.
