CEDARVILLE, Ohio - Nationally-ranked Grand Valley State scored in the 81st minute to rally past the Lady Jackets, 3-2, in a non-conference Midwest Region tilt.
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The seven-time national champion Lakers are No. 5 in the United Soccer Coaches Division II Preseason Coaches Poll.
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Cedarville struck first in just the second minute when
Katie Ulmer buried a penalty kick into the lower left corner.
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After the Lakers equalized, sophomore
Sophie Browndyke delivered a 25-yard free kick that beat the keeper in the 32nd minute, giving the hosts a 2-1 halftime edge.
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The second half swung in favor of the visitors. Goalkeeper
Anna Taylor denied a penalty kick early in the frame, but GVSU quickly capitalized during the ensuing scramble to tie the match at 2-2.
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The decisive tally came in the 81st minute on a high strike off the crossbar that set the final margin.
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Taylor finished with three saves for the Lady Jackets, who totaled seven shots with four on target.
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Quotable: Head Coach Jonathan Meade
"We're disappointed in the result, but not disappointed in the effort. We created chances including a great one at the end of the game. The first two goals we allowed are probably ones that we can correct in the future. Their third goal was just a classy shot. There are no excuses. It's why we play great teams at the beginning of the season. We can learn from it, we can grow from it, and we know we can play with them."
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Stinger Notes:
- Cedarville's 18-game home unbeaten streak (15-0-3) came to an end.
- The last home loss was 3-1 to Ferris State in the 2022 NCAA Division II Championship second round.
- The Lady Jackets entered the match with only one goal scored in four previous meetings against Grand Valley State.
- The Lakers seven national titles have all occurred since the 2009 season.
- CU travels to the Upper Peninsula to play two more GLIAC teams - Michigan Tech (Sept. 11) and Northern Michigan (Sept. 13).