Concordia of Oregon (4-3-1), eighth-ranked in the NAIA, scored two goals in the first 13 minutes of play and held on to defeated Westmont Women’s Soccer (4-2) by a score of 2-1 on Saturday in Ashland, Oregon. Freshman defender Sophie Judd scored the Warriors’ loan goal just 18 seconds before the end of the game.
“They do a very good job of moving off the ball and creating space for themselves,” noted Westmont head coach Kristi Kiely. We weren’t able to organize (our defense) quick enough.
Concordia’s first goal came in just the eighth minute of play and they added another in the twelfth minute.
“The first goal was an own goal off of a corner,” reported Kiely. “The second goal was another corner where we weren’t organized. They ran a play and we weren’t alert and aware.
“Concordia is a top-ten team for a reason,” continued Kiely. “They took it to us for a while. We had moments of good possession when we kept the ball and played our style. But they were fast and athletic and there were times were we didn’t keep up with them. However, we beat ourselves as well. I will certainly give Concordia a lot of credit. They are a very good team and I would love to face them in the National Tournament again. But we beat ourselves a bit in terms of individual effort. Mistakes that we don’t typically make, we were making.
Judd’s goal came near the end of the game in an unexpected manner.
“I think the soccer angels were looking down on us,” joked Kiely. “We drew a good foul and we threw everyone forward in the box. Sophie sent a great ball toward the back post. The keeper came out for it, we threw a bunch of bodies in the air. Because of that distraction, the keeper missed the ball and it went in the goal. So our center back scored trying to serve it in from about 40-45 yards out.
The Warriors will not return to action until Friday, September 23 when they play host to Claremont-Mudd-Scripps at Thorrington Field. Kick-off is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.
