SILOAM SPRINGS, Ark. -- Freshman Katherine Keys headed home her second goal of the early season to level the match, but the No. 12 John Brown University women's soccer couldn't find a game-winner as it secured a hard-fought 1-1 draw against No. 13 Embry-Riddle (Ariz.) on Saturday evening (Sept. 7) at Alumni Field.
The match saw early action as Embry-Riddle took the lead just over a minute into play with the first goal of the season from Jamie Black, assisted by Aubrie Labno's flick through the JBU back line.
The early concession seemed to awaken the Golden Eagles (2-2-1), and the host side responded with a strong 88-minute effort that easily could have finished in the win column.
JBU's equalizer came in the 53rd minute when Keys headed in a well-placed cross from freshman Caitlin Hilson at the right flank, marking Keys' second goal of the season.
JBU dominated set-piece opportunities throughout the contest, earning nine corner kicks while preventing Embry-Riddle (1-1-2) from taking any. Sophomore Julia Lambert was particularly influential in creating offensive pressure, launching four shots and consistently testing the Embry-Riddle defense.
The Golden Eagles fired off a total of 15 shots, with three on target, as they pressed for the go-ahead goal.
Freshman Sunnie Woodard was instrumental in keeping JBU in the match, recording seven saves, including multiple critical stops late in the second half to preserve the draw. Embry-Riddle's Annabelle Ruckle also performed well between the sticks, making two saves in the 90 minutes of action.
Although the Golden Eagles outshot their opponents 15-11 and held a clear advantage in corner kicks, Embry-Riddle's defense held firm, and neither side could break the deadlock in the remaining minutes.
John Brown's next fixture will occur on the road when the Golden Eagles travel to Springfield, Mo. to take on Evangel on Tuesday evening at 6 p.m. at Coryell Field. JBU is 1-0-0 all-time there, winning a lopsided 5-1 contest in 2022.
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