HELENA, Mont. – The Corban University women's soccer team fell 1-0 to Carroll College on Thursday afternoon at Nelson Stadium, as an early goal proved to be the difference in the Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC) matchup. The Warriors (6-8-3, 4-5-2 CCC) surrendered the lone goal in the sixth minute and were unable to find an equalizer against the Fighting Saints (6-3-7, 5-1-5 CCC). Redshirt sophomore goalkeeper Jordyn Labajo recorded nine saves to keep Corban within striking distance throughout the contest, but the Warriors finished with just two shots as Carroll held on for the shutout victory.
"We weren't our best today. We will try to get our bodies recovered for our game Saturday," said Corban head coach Tim Kagey.
Carroll struck first just 5:20 into the match when Carmen Anderson found the back of the net to give the Fighting Saints an early 1-0 advantage. The hosts continued to apply pressure in the opening half, testing Labajo with several attempts, including a header from Anderson in the ninth minute that the Corban goalkeeper turned away. The Warriors generated their first shot on target in the 13th minute when senior midfielder Gabrielle Nakamura forced a save from Carroll goalkeeper Maria Ackerman. Corban later threatened through sophomore midfielder Sadie Schweitzer, whose attempt sailed wide right in the 27th minute. Despite Labajo making two saves in the opening half, Carroll maintained its one-goal lead heading into the break.
The Fighting Saints continued to control possession and create scoring opportunities after halftime. Labajo made several important stops throughout the second half, denying attempts from Carroll's Tahlia Murillo, Delaney Moczan, Samantha Patch, and Brynn Johnson as Carroll searched for an insurance goal. Johnson came particularly close in the 80th minute, striking the crossbar with an attempt that nearly doubled the hosts' advantage. Corban's defense continued to withstand the pressure, but the Warriors were unable to generate a second half shot as Carroll preserved its narrow lead through the final whistle.
Labajo finished with nine saves across 90 minutes in goal for Corban, helping limit the damage despite Carroll's offensive pressure. Nakamura and Schweitzer recorded the Warriors' two shots, with Nakamura placing the lone attempt on target. Corban was limited to one corner kick while committing 13 fouls.
For Carroll, Anderson led the attack with four shots, including two on target, while scoring the match's only goal. Patch added five shots, including two on goal, and Johnson recorded three attempts, placing two on target while also hitting the crossbar. Goalkeeper Ackerman made one save to earn the shutout as the Fighting Saints outshot Corban 22-2 and held an 8-1 advantage in corner kicks.
The Warriors will close out the regular season on Saturday, October 31st, with a road matchup against No. 16-ranked Rocky Mountain College (10-0-4, 8-0-2 CCC) in Billings, Montana. Kickoff at Wendy's Field is scheduled for 12 pm MT/11am PT as Corban looks to finish the regular season strong.
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