Grace falls 1-0 at No. 15 Marian
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Grace’s women’s soccer team exited the Crossroads League Tournament with a 1-0 semifinal loss at No. 15 Marian.
The No. 17 Lady Lancers misfired on several key chances and had to settle for the one-goal defeat.
The loss means Grace will need to await its fate for the 2019 NAIA National Championships. The Lady Lancers have put themselves in a strong position with a record of 14-4-2.
Grace’s only four losses this year are to teams currently ranked in the top 15 of the NAIA. The field for the national tournament will be revealed during the NAIA’s Selection Show on Nov. 18.
The match was physical from the opening whistle until the final seconds. The physical play made for a grueling match with Grace focused on possession and Marian opting for counterattacks.
Grace managed to reach dangerous positions a few times in the opening half, but the team lacked a clean touch to produce a goal.
The Lady Lancers had three shots in the first half, two from JJ Aalbue.
Marian earned one of the best chances 20 minutes into the half. The Knights combined with their forwards to earn an open chance at the top of the penalty box. Bethany Blackwood raced out to block the 1-on-1 shot.
The blocked shot fell right back to the Knights, who tried a lofted shot. But defender Anna Kuhl raced back to head the ball away from the goal line to preserve the 0-0 scoreline.
Blackwood made another strong save in the final five minutes of the half, stopping a low shot by the Knights.
Grace threatened minutes later. A strong build up on the right side of the field resulted in a shot by Alexis Larimore, but her attempt sailed wide.
The teams entered halftime scoreless.
The second half was much of the same — physical play with few extended stretches of possession in a midfield scrum.
The Knights scored the game’s only goal in the 68th minute with a long, curling shot from outside the box that beat Blackwood.
Grace did its best to equalize over the final 20 frantic minutes.
With 15 minutes left, Liz Van Wormer tried a one-time volley that misfired inside the penalty box. Aalbue also had a few threatening moments that were snuffed out in the box.
The Lady Lancers are aiming for their third trip in five years to NAIA Nationals.