Sept. 23, 2015 - The Concordia-Chicago women's soccer team's bid to start 2-0-0 in Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference play was thwarted this evening. The Benedictine University Eagles scored three unanswered goals in the second half to take control of the game and defeat the Cougars by a score of 3-1 at the Lisle Sports Complex.

The first half was played very methodically as both teams took their time in figuring out their opponent. Benedictine took four shots in the half to CUC's two, but the Cougars owned the only shot on goal, that off the foot of Emily Ernst (Naperville, IL/Naperville Central). 

Five minutes into the second half, the Eagles broke the scoreless duel. A one-on-one against CUC keeper Maddie Kroll (Geneva, IL/H.S.) resulted in contact in the box, drawing a penalty kick. Danielle Melotte converted from the spot for the 1-0 lead.

Benedictine doubled its lead in the 65th minute as Jackie Elzakhem hit the upper left corner of the goal from 25 yards out. in the 78th minute, a corner kick led to the Eagles' third goal, courtesy of Zoie Holloway.

Just 14 seconds after Holloway's goal, the Cougars struck with their goal. Elizabeth Sanders (St. Louis, MO/Parkway South) receoved the ball from the kickoff and finished off a long run with her second goal of the season. Concordia-Chicago had a couple more opportunities over the final 10 minutes, but Benedictine's defense was able to close out the game, keeping the score at 3-1.

"I thought we did well in the first half, but when they picked up the intensity after halftime, we weren't able to match it," said CUC head coach Chris Brown. "We'll learn from this game and be ready to go next week." The Cougars will return to action next Wednesday, Sept. 30 when they host neighborhood and conference rival Dominican University.