Box Score DENVER, Colo. – The Crusaders stepped up their game in the second half, but unfortunately, so did host Regis University (Colo.).
After playing a scoreless 45 minutes in the nonconference season opener for both teams, the Northwest Nazarene women's soccer team got into an offense battle with the Rangers who won the battle and the game, 3-0, Thursday afternoon.
"Our girls worked extremely hard," Crusader head coach
Mary Trigg said. "We deserve a better result.
"We created some good chance but we have to put the ball in the back of the net."
Kiki Arnold did just that for the Rangers (1-0), booting home a pass from teammate Akina Fujimoto with 6:06 gone in the second stanza to snap the scoreless deadlock. Alexa Lonsdale added a goal in the 60
th minute and by Paulina Salazar scored in the 81
st minute to cap Regis' day.
The Crusaders (0-1) were outshot 11-1 in the first half by a Rangers team that has qualified for the NCAA Division II National Tournament 10 times and is looking for a return trip to nationals after seeing a run of five straight berths snapped last season.
The shot advantage changed in the second half, as NNU fired eight shots toward Regis' net compared to 11 for the Rangers. One of those Crusader chances banged off the crossbar in the 86
th minute, as
Lexi Fesenbek nearly spoiled the opening-day shutout for the host school.
"Regis is a great team that goes to the national tournament a lot," Trigg added. "It was a good test for us to where we're at and where we're headed."
Rangers goalkeeper Kat Crump made two saves for the shutout, while Crusader freshman
Daniele Ortiz made six saves in her collegiate debut.
The Crusaders continue their season-opening road trip in Colorado on Saturday when they play at Colorado Christian.
