Grace outshoots but falls to No. 17 Marian

WINONA LAKE, Ind. – Grace’s women’s soccer team narrowly lost a 2-1 game to No. 17 Marian on Wednesday.

The Lady Lancers (3-5-3, 0-2 Crossroads League) had more shots than Marian by the count of 14-11, but Grace was unable to pull off the upset of the Knights (9-2, 2-0 CL).

All three goals were scored in an eight-minute span late in the first half. Marian struck first in the 31st minute, capitalizing off a defensive error by Grace to go ahead.

Grace had an immediate response three minutes later. Autumn Raulerson dribbled past a defender along the right endline. She then placed a perfect pass into the center of the penalty box to Corinne Villalobos, who finished calmly for the equalizer.

The 1-1 scoreline did not last long. Marian retook the lead in the 38th minute off a strong individual effort by Kellie Cavanaugh in what turned out to be the game-winning goal.

Grace had other chances in the half, most notably an early attempt from Raulerson and a volley in the 29th minute from Allison Vroon.

Marian took nine shots in the first half. But the Knights were primarily held in check in the second half as Grace became the aggressor.

The Lady Lancers outshot Marian 9-2 after halftime but could not produce a second game-tying strike.

Early in the second half, Grace proved to be on the attack. Sacia Hanson tried a high shot that was saved, and Jenni Phillips nearly finished off a header from a well-placed cross by Emma Neahusan.

Grace continued to attack Marian’s goal but struggled to piece together the final passes on offense. While Grace had three corner kicks in the second half, the team’s best looks came from outside the box with deep shots by Liz Van Wormer, Sacia Hanson.

Hanson led Grace with four shots, and Villalobos and Raulerson each shot three times.

The Lady Lancers will look to rebound on Saturday, playing at Bethel at 2 p.m.