ORANGE CITY, Iowa -- Sophomore keeper Kristen Morency recorded three saves, but Northwestern (Iowa) managed to score a fluky goal in the 31st minute to upend the Golden Eagles (0-1-0) in its season opener, 1-0, Friday evening in Orange City on day one of the Pizza Ranch Classic.
In a match that was predominantly dominated by the Golden Eagles, the Lady Red Raiders (1-1-0) managed to open the scoring in the 31st minute as Alissa Christoffer launched a floating ball from the right flank, far outside the 18-yard box. After dipping at just the right moment catching Morency off-guard, the ball sank just under the crossbard for the host's early advantage.
John Brown peppered the NWC netminder, Ariel Watts, forcing the keeper to make five saves in the first half alone. Despite sending another three shots towards Watts in the second half, JBU was unable to sneak one past for the equalizer.
Ending the first half with all the momentum, JBU finished the first stanza with three shots and two corner kicks, but were denied by Watts as another shot went wide by Brannan and senior forward Karen Sosa's shot was blocked.
The Golden Eagles came out in the second half determined to finish what it couldn't in the first. Junior midfielder Casie Giffin's first shot went wide of the net as Brannan also misfired. Two more JBU corner kicks ensued, but John Brown was still unable to net a tying goal.
Despite eight corner kicks in the final 45 minutes, JBU would be unable to tie the score as Garcia's drive to the net down the left side with seconds remaining was blocked away, cementing the JBU defeat.
The Golden Eagles fired 22 shots towards Watts, limiting NWC to only 10, led by senior midfielder Whitney Brannan's five, followed by junior forward Laura Garcia's four. Three other JBU players notched multiple shots in the contest.
Morency took to the loss for John Brown, moving to 0-1-0 on the season. She finished with three saves on the evening.
The Golden Eagles will return to action on Saturday (Aug. 31) evening, kicking-off with Dordt (Iowa) in Sioux Center at 3:00 p.m.
