Raulerson’s late game heroics lead Lancers to victory
SANTA CLARITA, Calif. – Grace’s women’s soccer team pulled off the upset against No. 21 ranked Kansas Wesleyan on Saturday night.
Autumn Raulerson’s game-winning goal came in the final minutes of a game that seemed destined for overtime. After being substituted into the match just minutes earlier, Raulerson scored an unassisted goal at the 87 minute mark.
The match was tightly contested as both teams seemed evenly matched. The Lancers (2-1-1) narrowly outshot the Coyotes 12-10; both teams had five shots on goal. Grace had the advantage in corner kicks 6-2.
Grace’s usual aggressive approach was held at bay early in the game. The Lancers were only able to get off four shots in the first half. Sacia Hanson tried to get Grace on the board early, but her shot at the 21 minute mark was saved by the Coyote goalkeeper. The match flowed nicely in the first half as each team went into the break with only one foul a piece.
Kansas Wesleyan (0-1) had an aggressive approach from the start of the match. Deanna Baird’s shot at the 10 minute mark was saved by Abby Schue. Krysta Catone tried to put Kansas Wesleyan on the board before halftime, but Schue kept the game tied.
McKenna Cruz almost put Grace ahead in the 63rd minute. A corner kick by Allison Vroon led to a Cruz header, but the shot was saved. Hannah Tkacz got a shot on frame in the 76th minute, but her attempt was to no avail.
Neither team was poised to give in until Raulerson’s goal. Kansas had little time to recover. Michelle Rios-Buza tried to score the equalizing goal, but a save by Schue sealed the deal for the Lancers.
Schue earned the shutout win for Grace with five saves; she had support from her back line of Sabina Meyers, Carlie Salinas, Aubrey Feipel and Tkacz. Vroon, Hanson and Liz Van Wormer led Grace’s attack with two shots each.
Grace did a better job at executing its attack in the second half. The Lancers outshot the Coyotes 8-4; their accuracy improved as four of their five shots on goal came in the latter part of the contest. The game was called fairly evenly for both sides as Kansas Wesleyan led in fouls 6-5.
Grace will look to carry its momentum into its upcoming match against No. 19 ranked Embry-Riddle. This will be the final match on the Lancer’s trip to California. The match kicks off Monday at 12 p.m.