SILOAM SPRINGS, Ark. -- The No. 12 John Brown University women's soccer team was defeated 3-0 by No. 10 Columbia (Mo.) in a top-25 clash at Alumni Field on Saturday afternoon (Sept. 21).
JBU (3-4-1) struggled to break down a Columbia defense led by goalkeeper Natalie Allison, who recorded eight saves in the clean-sheet effort, stifling the Golden Eagles' attack throughout the match. Despite creating nine shots and 10 corner kick opportunities, JBU was unable to find the back of the net.
Columbia (5-1-0) struck early in the first half, scoring twice within two minutes. Delfina Zolesio Fernandez Blanco opened the scoring at the 9:29 mark, assisted by Riley Porter. Just over a minute later, Delaynie Brown doubled Columbia's lead, again with an assist from Porter.
The second half saw JBU attempt to mount a comeback, but Allison's performance in goal kept the Golden Eagles at bay. The Cougars added an insurance goal in the 53rd minute when Brown scored her second of the match off assists from Porter and Grace Winegar.
Golden Eagle goalkeeper freshman Sunnie Woodard made two saves in the first half, but after conceding two goals, was relieved by freshman Marely Fonseca at the intermission. Fonseca tallied one save but could not stop Brown's second-half goal.
JBU's attack was led by sophomore Julia Lambert, who recorded two shots on goal, while senior Lauren Walter and freshman Katherine Keys each registered one shot on target. The Golden Eagles maintained pressure, earning six corner kicks in the second half, but were unable to capitalize.
The Golden Eagles, now 1-2-1 against top-25 opponents this season, will look to bounce back as they open Sooner Athletic Conference play on Saturday afternoon (Sept. 28) when JBU welcomes Texas Wesleyan to Alumni Field for a 1 p.m. start. The match will air live on the SAC Sports Network.
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