RIVER FOREST, Ill. -- Despite a tight-knit first half, the Benedictine Eagles (4-4, 1-0 NACC) managed to slip past the Concordia-Chicago Cougars (0-7, 0-1 NACC) with two late goals this evening. 

The Eagles came out moving fast in the first half, putting pressure on the Cougars' defense early and often. Benedictine earned two quick corners, but were unable to capitalize on the opportunity. With 30 minutes to go in the first, Concordia-Chicago's offense began to create space, and managed to take four shots in the remaining minutes of the half. The Eagles out shot CUC just 3-2 in shots on goal.

Benedictine came out of the halftime break eager to score. With 10 second-half shots, the Eagles finally struck in the 56th minute of play. After a CUC foul, the ball was reset just in front of the box. From there, Abbie Graham took the kick and netted the ball just past goalkeeper Maddie Kroll's right side. 

Graham would put the ball in the back of the net again today, after receiving a pass from downfield in the 68th minute. En route to her sixth goal of the season, she dodged a defender, nearly tripped, regained ground and struck from the right wing past a diving Kroll.

The Cougars would struggle to get an offense rolling from there, as Benedictine took the first conference game of the season, 2-0.

CUC returns to action for two home games this weekend taking on Lakeland University on Saturday and then hosting Central College on Sunday.