Women's Soccer | 9/5/2012 5:27:00 PM
Sept. 5, 2012 - Freshman Sarah Crawford's first Emporia State goal and a second half set-piece goal from Mindi Lozenski powered Emporia State to a 2-1 win in its home opener versus Augustana (S.D.) at ESU Pitch.
The Hornets improve to a record of 2-1-0, while the Vikings fall to 1-1-0.
Emporia State started the game on the front foot, asking questions of the Augustana defense. Freshman Emily Burris was in on goal in the 16th minute, but her shot sailed high. Augustana earned a couple of corner kicks by sustaining some pressure of its own, but were stifled by the Hornets' back line.
Crawford came on as a substitute in the 31st minute and was on the scoresheet eight minutes later.
Crawford, playing on the right flank, was on the edge of the penalty area when a cross came in from the left. The ball bounced around the penalty area as her teammates attempted to get into a shooting position. After taking a deflection of an Augustana defender, the ball fell for Crawford who slotted the ball home with her left foot into the bottom left corner.
Emporia State carried momentum in the break, and was 2-0 ahead five minutes into the second half.
The Hornets earned a corner kick, taken by Ashleigh Harris from the right side. Harris' cross found Lozenski, rising above her marker to head the ball into the back of the net from eight yards out. The goal was Lozenski's first of the season.
Ahead two goals with 40 minutes to play, Augustana began to play more aggresively to get back into the game, and out shot the Hornets in the second half 8-3.
The Vikings pulled a goal back in the 61st minute, when a cross from the left caused confusion between goalkeeper Nikki Schmitz and defender Shannon Thomas. In an attempt to clear the ball, Thomas headed the ball into her own net for an own goal, making the score 2-1.
In a tense last 30 minutes, neither team created clear cut chances. Coach Bryan Sailer brought on the midfield trio of Hannah Carlson, Harris, and Lozenski, with about 20 minutes remaining whose composure helped the Hornets see out the rest of the game.
Emporia State goes back on the road to play Upper Iowa on Sunday, Sept. 9. The game is scheduled to begin at noon.
