ORANGE CITY, Iowa -- The Northwestern College women's soccer team (1-3) was defeated by the Clarke University (Iowa) Pride 2-0, spoiling the team's home opener at the NWC Soccer Complex.
A rain-filled week in Northwest Iowa resulted in sloppy field conditions, making a match filled with a lot of back and forth play. Some early action from both sides made for an exciting start right out of the gates but did not result in any conversions. The Pride broke through in the 15th minute with a goal by Jamie Albertson. The Raiders' attack resulted in a number of shots and more back-and-forth action commenced as first half play continued.
Kaelin Alons (Jr., Orange City, Iowa/Unity Christian) made a diving save on a header after a cross from another Pride attack to keep the score at 1-0. Clarke connected on a corner right before the half (45th minute) as Genevieve Cruz found the back of the net after a broken play for a 2-0 Pride lead going into the break.
The second half saw an aggressive push from the Pride that the Raiders' defense stymied.
Julie Dunlap (Jr., Des Moines, Iowa/Dowling Catholic) controlled the midfield for the Raiders but the Pride defense would not allow the Raiders to convert on any of their attacks. The Raiders would continue piece together attacks in the second half but could not quite put the finishing touch on any of them.
The Pride out shot the Raiders (24-13) and earned six corners as opposed to the Raiders one. Alons had a good performance in the net, making a number of big saves to keep the Prides' attack at bay and totaling 12 saves on the night. The Raiders attack resulted in five shots on goal.
Up Next: The Raiders will face a quick turnaround and will return to the pitch tomorrow night at 7:15 pm to take on the Graceland University Yellowjackets.
