Polars Hold Eagles at Bay

ANKENY, Iowa—A storm rolled into Ankeny on Saturday, bringing a steady and heavy rain throughout the 90 minutes of soccer action between the Faith Eagles and the Crown Polars. The Eagles struggled to get their footing offensively, but showed a much improved defensive intensity as they allowed just one goal to the same team that beat them 6-0 earlier this season.

Faith kept the game scoreless throughout the cold and soggy conditions in the first half. Crown broke through with a perfectly-placed kick above the long outstretched arms of goalie Alexa LaFleur at the 55:54 mark of the second half. LaFleur played a remarkable game, saving 11 of the 12 shots that came on goal.

Despite their 0-4 record, the Eagles have shown marked improvement each game against difficult opponents. The defense has tightened up considerably, keeping Faith in striking distance in each of the last two games, and the offense has been more aggressive as well. Shots on goal were nearly even on Saturday with Crown having the narrow advantage at 12-7.

Faith returns to action this Thursday on the road at Spurgeon College in Kansas City. Game time is 1 p.m. This is the first season of women's soccer in Spurgeon's history. The Knights are 1-0, securing a 4-1 win over Manhattan Christian College in their first-ever game.