The Dordt University women's soccer team dropped its season opener to Graceland 2-1 in a match played tonight under the lights at the Defenders Soccer Complex.
Both teams were scoreless after an evenly played first half that featured a combined 11 shots, seven on-goal (Dordt - 4, Graceland - 3).Â
The Defenders broke through moments into the second half when
Maria Zylstra outraced a Graceland defender to a ball played by
Joslyn Vander Molen and placed the shot in the lower, left-hand corner of the goal during the 47th minute.
Graceland tied the match just over 10 minutes later on a successful penalty kick by Mariam El Mir Tartouri at the 58th minute. Chloe Montera followed with the game-winner during the 69th minute off an assist by Wissal Rafik.
By the Numbers:Â
- Dordt was outshot 17-10, 13-3 in the second half
- the Defenders totaled five shots on-goal, led by Megan Aukes with two
- four Defenders, Joslyn Vander Molen, Faith Mondeel, Lameese Batarseh and Lizzie Graham played all 90 minutes
- Lizzie Graham, making her first career start in goal for the Defenders, made eight saves
- Chloe Montera led all players five shots on-goal; Evangeline Caresia added three
- Alexis Porter (2-0) made four saves
- Dordt is now 2-4 all-time against Graceland
- the Defenders have lost their last two season openers
