It was a very wet and rainy afternoon in Grand Rapids, MI. The ONU women's soccer team was coming off a tough loss to Hope College on the previous day and was intent to redeem themselves from that game. ONU came out early and got a goal just minutes into the match from Erin Stapp, her second of the weekend and season. The field made it very difficult for both teams to try and play an attractive style. There was standing water all over. Passes were getting stopped, players were having difficulty dribbling; it was a real mess. Both teams managed to play through the conditions.
ONU was up at the half by a score of 1-0. Midway through the half, Calvin finally broke down ONU's defense and they were able to notch 2 goals within minutes of each other. ONU battled back and showed why we are such a tough team to play. Kaitlin Sanders placed a great free kick onto Chelsea Albert's head at the far post. Chelsea headed the ball down and it slid in at the far post. The game could have gone either way at this point. Both teams were chasing the win and both teams created some very good scoring chances. With 4 minutes to go in regulation, a Calvin player took a shot, it was blocked by an ONU defender, played back in to an awaiting Calvin forward, she turned, and the ONU gk came off her line, winning the ball. The Calvin player did go down after, but the official felt it was a foul and awarded Calvin a penalty kick. Calvin capitalized and they were able to hang on for the remainder of the match.
It was a hard fought game for both teams. The conditions were not ideal for the match, but both teams found ways to score and get some positives out of the wet afternoon.
ONU opens up at home after a long 6-game road streak this Wednesday against non-conference rival Wittenberg at 5p. Wittenberg is currently #1 by the NSCAA in the Great Lakes Region. It will be a great game and a great opportunity for the ONU women's soccer team to get back on track.
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