Lisle, Ill.- After fighting through a grueling opening non-conference schedule, the Concordia University Chicago Cougar Women's Soccer team finally opened Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference play tonight under the lights. Their opponent, Benedictine University who finished a spot behind CUC in the 2016 standings. The teams played strong defensively throughout the first half, but unfortunately Benedictine was able to break through twice in the second half to spoil the conference opener 2-0.
 
CUC would get their first good look on net in the 21^st minute. A loose ball in the box would be headed by Sarah LaCost, but flew just over the top of the cross bar. Both teams then dug in defensively allowing no shots on net through the first 45 minutes though the Eagles held a 5-3 edge in shots.
 
Benedictine was finally able to break the tie with a goal in the 57^th minute when Taylor Pokorn's shot found the back of the net inside the left post. The Eagles then doubled their lead in the 65^th minute on a set piece that found its way through traffic and to the foot of Megan Anderson.
 
CUC tried to work offense forward throughout the second half, but were unable to put anything into the back of the net.
 
The Cougars (1-5-2, 0-1 NACC) will now ready themselves to hit the road for a two-match weekend. The first, a NACC match against Lakeland on Saturday at 4:30pm. CUC will then make a quick turnaround to take on Carthage College in non-conference action on Sunday from Kenosha, Wis.