Box Score OKLAHOMA CITY (Sept. 18, 2021) – Oklahoma Christian trailed 2-0 as the end of the match loomed on Saturday night, but with 14 seconds remaining, the Eagles mounted a counterattack to score their first goal of the match. Despite never giving up, the Eagles would not have enough time to tie, losing 2-1 to Northwestern Oklahoma State at Ranger Soccer Field.
 
OC (0-3) came into the match against Northwestern (5-1) without a goal in the 2021 season.
 
In the 90th minute, freshman Isabella McMillan took a shot for the Rangers, but missed wide right. Her miss gave the Eagles an opening to pressure Northwestern with numbers in the attacking fourth of the pitch.
 
Freshman Kyla Lovelace faced the Rangers' goalkeeper, senior Reagan Allen, with less than 15 seconds remaining. She placed the ball low center in the back of the net, just out of Allen's reach, for her first collegiate goal.
 
OC's defensive errors in the first half proved to be the difference in the match, as they allowed two goals in the first 25 minutes. The Rangers' first goal came in the 10th minute from freshman Tiara Campbell and the second occurred in the 23rd minute off a shot by senior Reilly Marks.
 
After those first two goals, the Eagles' defense stood strong, not allowing another goal. Sophomore goalkeeper Gabby Goddard recorded five saves in the match.
 
Throughout the night, OC's offense saw seven opportunities on goal, but were unable to connect. Lovelace, in addition to her goal, recorded three shots on frame. Freshman Perla Beltran also had opportunities to score with two shots on goal.
 
Despite the loss, OC won the overall shot battle with 17 to Northwestern's 12, with the Rangers' goalkeeper, Allen, making six saves.
 
"I'm so proud of the girls tonight," OC coach Evan Dresel said. "I'm disappointed we didn't get the win, but the fight we showed, particularly in the second half, was amazing. It led to our first goal of the year and the first of, what I think, will be many for Kyla Lovelace in her career."
 
The Eagles will remain on the road for their next match, as they will open Lone Star Conference play on Thursday at Lubbock Christian (Texas). Kickoff will be at 5 p.m. at the LCU Soccer Field.