ARLINGTION HEIGHTS – A last-second goal in the first half changed the complexion of a Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference match as Roosevelt dropped a 2-1 decision to Purdue Northwest on Friday at Morris Field.
The Lakers took the lead with a minute left in the half when Ellie Bielenda rose up to head home Daisy Garcia's corner kick. It was an impressive debut for Garcia, who missed the first half of the season due to injury, as she finished with three shots in 55 minutes off the bench.
Roosevelt (1-5-3, 1-3-1 GLIAC) looked like it escaped the first half with the lead after the Lions earned a corner kick in the final seconds. The hurried cross was headed away and Purdue Northwest sent a looping shot that seemingly hit the back of the net after the buzzer sounded. However, the referees awarded the tying goal to Purdue Northwest, and the teams entered the intermission tied instead.
The second half was fairly even between the two sides even though Purdue Northwest held most of the possession. Neither team had many good chances over the final 45 minutes until the Lions broke through the Lakers defense with less than two minutes left and scored the game-winning goal.
Purdue Northwest held a 25-12 edge in shot attempts, but it was just an 8-5 advantage in shots on goal. Kaylee Sarnicola finished with six saves in defeat for the Lakers.
UP NEXT: Roosevelt starts an extended road trip next Friday at Ferris State with a noon kickoff in Big Rapids, Mich.
