GRAND FORKS, N.D. — Eastern Washington battled hard but couldn't find its offensive rhythm in a 4-0 loss to North Dakota. The Eagles outshot the Fighting Hawks 19-13 and held them without a single corner kick, but were unable to capitalize on their chances.
The match opened with back-and-forth play as neither side established control early. North Dakota had the first look on goal in the 10th minute, but goalkeeper
Kamryn Willoughby made an easy save. Moments later,
Delani Walker nearly put Eastern ahead with a strong strike from the top of the box that just missed wide right.
Chloe Pattison recorded the Eagles' first shot on goal, forcing the Hawks' keeper to tip the ball over the bar and give Eastern the first corner of the day. However, only a minute later North Dakota struck first, taking a 1-0 lead in the 16th minute.
In the 34th minute, a slow clearance from Willoughby allowed the Fighting Hawks to pounce and double their lead. Just three minutes later, North Dakota chipped in their third of the half to make it 3-0 at the break.
The second half remained competitive, but North Dakota extended its lead in the 69th minute as No. 23 completed her hat trick to make it 4-0.
Eastern nearly broke through in the 76th minute when
Charity Freeman stepped to the spot for a penalty kick, but her attempt went wide. Freshman
Delaney Deckett also had a late look at goal, but her shot sailed high.
Despite their efforts, the Eagles were unable to find the net and ultimately fell 4-0.
Eastern Washington (1-2) now returns home for a two-match homestand, beginning Thursday, Aug. 28, at 4:30 p.m. against South Dakota, followed by Senior Day on Sunday, Aug. 31, at 11:30 a.m. against UIC.
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ABOUT EASTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
Eastern Washington University Athletics sponsors 14 intercollegiate sports, six for men and eight for women, both as learning opportunities for its most athletically talented students and as an enhancement to student and community life. Eastern is affiliated with Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and is a member of the Big Sky Conference, an association of 10 regional schools with comparable enrollments and academic goals.
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