WARRIORS FALL SHORT TO HOLY CROSS IN DEFENSIVE BATTLE, 1-0

WASHINGTON, Mich. - A few close calls weren't able to get the Warriors (0-1-2) over the hump in their home debut against the Holy Cross Saints (1-1-0) on Tuesday afternoon, losing 1-0. The Saints jumped out to an early lead after a first half goal, with Rochester Christian having multiple shots either hit the cross bar or sail just wide in a defensive battle. 

THE RUNDOWN

FIRST HALF

• RCU started things off with multiple shot attempts, keeping the ball on the offensive half of the pitch. Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Week Olivia Howes nearly tallied her second goal of the season on a header attempt that was blocked by a Saints defender. Shortly after, forward Laila Vanhoorelbeke nearly put the Warriors on the board with a shot that nailed the crossbar
• Unfortunately for the Warriors, Holy Cross took advantage of their first scoring opportunity, with the Saints' Miriam Iturriaga-Sanchez scoring off a cross through contact to put the Saints up one. The Warriors had two more shot opportunities in the half that went wide

SECOND HALF

• RCU ramped up the pressure offensively, with senior midfielder Faith Staley rocketing a shot that was saved by Saints' goalkeeper Madeline Agee. Two more shots from the Warriors were blocked by a stout Saints defense
• Holy Cross nearly went up another goal on a shot that hit the crossbar, and made things difficult on the offensive end for the Warriors. For much of the second half, both teams were locked with the ball in midfield, making several great tackles to prevent shot opportunities. The Warriors had a close opportunity with four minutes remaining, with senior defender Isabella Ames getting a header off a corner kick from freshman Aliana Perez that was saved by Agee

UP NEXT

The Warriors will return home on Sept. 4, hosting #3 Spring Arbor for a matchup against a NAIA National Championship contender. 

Hussein Murray - RCU Athletic Communications

Featured Image: Megan Brown - RCU Women's Soccer