SILOAM SPRINGS, Ark. -- A late rally by the No. 12 John Brown University women's soccer team wasn't enough to overcome an early 2-0 deficit, as they fell 3-2 to Missouri Valley College in the second game of the JBU Classic at Alumni Field on Thursday night (Sept. 5).
Missouri Valley struck early, putting the Golden Eagles on the back foot in the first half. Madi Hudson curled in an Olimpico from the left corner flag to open the scoring in the 11th minute. Just over three minutes later, the Vikings (3-2-0) doubled their lead when Ashley Arribas netted her third goal of the season in the 14th minute, with an assist from Lucia Torres Vizcaino. The visitors' relentless pressure in the final third saw them take an early 2-0 advantage, leaving JBU searching for answers to the questions posed by the visitors.
John Brown (2-2-0) quickly adjusted, showing resilience by tightening up defensively and creating counter-attacking opportunities. The breakthrough came in the 32nd minute when junior Aubrey Winter confidently converted a penalty kick, reducing the deficit to 2-1. Winter's goal was the second of the season taken from the penalty spot, courtesy of the MVC defense hauling down senior Lauren Walter in the box.
The second half began with Missouri Valley once again finding the back of the net. Arribas scored her second goal of the match in the 48th minute, assisted by Marlene Flores' cross from the left flank that bounced errantly between a pair of Golden Eagles right to the striker all alone. Arribas, now with four goals on the season, was a constant threat, testing JBU's defensive line throughout the game.
The Golden Eagles refused to back down and increased their attacking intensity as the second half progressed. Lauren Walter provided a glimmer of hope when she tallied her second goal of the season in the 87th minute, cutting the deficit to 3-2. Walter's goal, assisted by Joanna Long and Katherine Keys, was the result of a lovely passing play back into the middle of the box, but it proved to be too little, too late as Missouri Valley held on for the win.
JBU managed 12 total shots, with eight on goal, but Missouri Valley's goalkeeper Marina Barbara Bujalance (1-2-0) was up to the challenge, recording six crucial saves. Meanwhile, Woodard (2-2-0) posted two saves in goal for the Golden Eagles, facing a total of nine shots from Missouri Valley, five of which were on target.
Set pieces and fouls also played a significant role in the match. Missouri Valley earned four corner kicks, all in the first half, while JBU was awarded three corners, two of which came late as they pushed for the equalizer.
With the loss, the Golden Eagles fall to 1-2-0 all-time against Missouri Valley and 0-2-0 at Alumni Field.
The Golden Eagles still have a brilliant opportunity to bounce back when the classic hosts take on No. 13 Embry-Riddle (Ariz.) on Saturday evening (Sept. 7) at Alumni Field. ERAU drew even with No. 21 Oklahoma Wesleyan 1-1 in the first match of the classic. All matches of the John Brown University Classic will air live on the SAC Sports Network.
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