WEST CHESTER, Pa. – The Clarion women's soccer team held one of the top teams in the nation to just one goal on the road on Saturday, valiantly battling but falling to the third-ranked and undefeated West Chester Golden Rams in PSAC crossover play.  The Golden Eagles (2-13-2, 2-12-1 PSAC) will close out their season next Saturday when they host Bloomsburg for Senior Day on Saturday, Oct. 29.
 
Clarion allowed one tally to the team that entered the week ranked first in the Atlantic region but stifled them otherwise, holding the Golden Rams to just six total shots on net.  Krista Mosi stood tall in net, allowing just Erica Hansen's goal from the top of the box in the 34th minute.  Brigid Stermel entered in relief of Mosi in the second half and made three more stops.

The Golden Eagles committed to a defense-first effort against the Golden Rams, with head coach Sean Esterhuizen praising his team's discipline.

"In the first half we played behind the ball with a four-person defense as we expected West Chester to be very fast and skilled," Esterhuizen said.  "We had some absolutely valiant defending and last minute tackles, as well as a great effort in goal by Krista."
 
The Golden Eagles weathered the early storm by keeping the Golden Rams away from the keeper despite the fact West Chester attempted five corner kicks in the first half.  The defensive corps of Alissa Spencer, Marina Kelly, Andie Hill, Anna Sheen and Carlee Freeberg, among others, kept the potent West Chester attack at bay and well below their season averages for shots on goal and goals.

The second half was a much tighter defensive battle, with the Golden Eagles continuing to frustrate the Golden Rams.

"With a strong headwind and a gameplan change focused on attacking their flanks, I thought we played an excellent second half," Esterhuizen said.  "We managed to put together more passing strings than them in the second half but couldn't quite get around their defense.  Overall, though, I was extremely pleased how we played with such spirit and effort against a senior-laden team that's among the best in the nation."