By Nicholas Huenefeld/Owens Sports Information
Toledo, OH---The Express women's soccer team got a measure of revenge with a 1-0 victory over Schoolcraft College today, but lost two key players in the process.
The game didn't see any scoring until Taylor Avers put the Express ahead at the 31:10 mark of the first half on a crossing shot from Jill Burkholder.
It was the first goal of the season for Avers.
Throughout the second half, Erika Brinkman made some key saves in net - including a nice one in the 70th minute. She also made a diving stop to her right in the first half.
Schoolcraft nearly tied the game minutes into the second half as they put one in the net - only to have it called off due to offsides.
In the first half, Haley Gasser went down with an injury and did not return. Then, in the second half, Jessica Grindle went down and also did not return. Schoolcraft increased their pressure with the Express down two players, but Owens held firm.
The extent of the two injuries are not known.
The Ocelots managed only four shots on goal, while the Express had six.
The win marks the first for the Express over Schoolcraft since the program's inception last year. Schoolcraft defeated Owens in the Region XII semifinals last year, as well as two times during the regular season, and this was the first matchup between the two this year.
The Express will next play this weekend when they travel to Monroe Community College in Rochester, NY and Mercyhurst North East in North East, PA. They play Monroe at 11 a.m. on Saturday before taking on Mercyhurst on Sunday at 2 p.m.
