By Josh Neuhart
Grace College Sports Information

FAYETTE, Mo. – In a top-15 clash among NAIA powerhouses, No. 13 Grace’s women’s soccer team lost on the road to No. 11 Central Methodist, 2-0, on Saturday.

Grace was shorthanded, missing its top-two leading goalscorers, and the Lady Lancers (11-5-1) were unable to get on the scoreboard in the defeat.

The first half was evenly played with CMU holding a slight 5-3 advantage in shot attempts. Erin Crew, Amber Meade and Danae Moriarty each tried a shot before halftime for Grace.

The Eagles (15-3) managed to get on the scoreboard in the 25th minute, the only goal produced before halftime.

The score remained 1-0 until the final minutes. The Eagles found an insurance goal in the 87th minute, resulting in the final scoreline.

Bethany Blackwood made six saves as Grace’s goalkeeper.

The Lady Lancers do not have another match scheduled this spring at this point. Grace is headed for a likely NAIA National Championship appearance this spring; the first match of the NAIA tournament will be held April 15.

Grace has already had a memorable season, reaching the championship game of the Crossroads League Tournament and the NCCAA National Championships. Grace’s five losses have all come to ranked opponents.