Late Push Not Enough as Women’s Soccer Falls 2-1 to Waldorf

EUREKA, Ill. – The Eureka women's soccer team came up short in a 2-1 battle against Waldorf on Sunday afternoon at McKinzie Field. A second half goal by Addison Byers cut the lead in half, but the Red Devils were unable to find the equalizer in the closing minutes.

Waldorf (1-2-0) opened the scoring early with an eighth-minute goal from Paige Spatorico, who capitalized on her own rebound to give the Warriors a 1-0 lead. Despite a strong effort from junior goalkeeper Naitzy Garcia (Mendota, Ill./Mendota), who recorded four first-half saves, the Red Devils (0-2-0) struggled to find scoring opportunities in the opening 45 minutes.

In the second half, Waldorf extended its lead in the 54th minute as Olivia Cross found the back of the net, assisted by Jamison Graham, to make it 2-0. However, Eureka responded just four minutes later. Sophomore midfielder Addison Byers (Flushing, Mich./Flushing) scored her first career goal in the 58th minute, lofting a shot over the Waldorf goalkeeper off a pass from freshman Ella Mohebbi (Katy, Texas/Cinco Ranch) to bring the Red Devils within one.

Garcia continued to shine in goal, finishing the match with 12 total saves as Waldorf pushed to extend its lead. Cross and Graham both had late chances for the Warriors, but Garcia's efforts kept the Red Devils in the game. Despite Garcia's strong showing in net, the Red Devils were unable to find the equalizer as they fell 2-1.

Byers led Eureka with two shots, including the team's lone goal. Mohebbi added an assist and one shot attempt of her own.

Up Next

The Red Devils are back in action on Wednesday as they travel to face Andrews. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.