ETTRICK, Va. (EMU Athletics) – EMU women’s soccer had a midweek showdown against a DII opponent on Wednesday, when they traveled just outside of Richmond to take on Virginia State.

Both offenses scored early for a 1-1 tie, but Virginia State used three unanswered goals, two in the first half and one in the second, to pick up a 4-1 win.

Records: EMU 1-4-1, 0-0-0 ODAC | VSU 1-3-0

Highlights
• The Trojans got on the board early, taking a 1-0 lead off a Loryn Sturgis goal just 44 seconds into the game.
• The Royals got it right back, however, less than two minutes later. After an offensive attempt was cleared by Katie Parks, a streaking Esme Cardoso sent a pass to Leah Beachy who, from 20 yards out, put a shot past the VSU keeper in the top left corner, tying things at one apiece.
• The Royals had more opportunities in the first half, with Cardoso and Hailey Walker both getting shots on goal. But Trojans keeper Alana Martin came up with the saves to keep the game tied. VSU was able to tack on two more goals, one in the 24th minute and another in the 25th minute.
• EMU continued to pressure the Trojans keeper, with three shots on goal in a two minute span. But Martin saved all three and VSU took a 3-1 lead into the break.
• In the second half, CJ Jefferson was in net for the Royals, and snagged two saves in the early going to keep EMU’s deficit at two. Beachy and Michelle Thompson were able to get forward and put shots on goal late in the second half, but both were once again saved to keep EMU at one goal. Jefferson added two more saves, but VSU was able to add one more goal in the 81st minute, to round out the scoring.

Statistical Leaders
Goals: Beachy (1)
Assists: Cardoso (1)
Saves: Jefferson (5)

What’s Next
EMU will be off for the next seven days, before returning to the pitch next Wednesday, at home, to open ODAC play against Randoph Macon. The Rowdy Royals game against the Yellow Jackets will kick off at 7:00 pm.

— EMU Athletics —