Goshen, IN — The Goshen College women’s soccer team was not able to start the 2005 Mid-Central Conference season in the manner it hoped it would, as the team dropped a 1-0 decision to league foe Grace College Saturday evening at the Goshen College Soccer Complex.

Goshen (1-7, 0-1) was able to contain Grace for much of the first half, thanks in large part to the defensive play of junior Hannah Eash, sophomore Mary Jo Martin and freshman goalkeeper Emmy Gibson. A slick, wet field only aided in the neutrality of the game, as the first half ended with a scoreless tie.

Grace was able to get behind the defense early in the second period for the match’s only goal, however, as Lancers’ senior starter Kari Wildman was able to send one of Grace’s seven corner kicks into the goal mouth where Lindsay Anderson was able to head in the score past Gibson. It was the only shot Gibson allowed the entire evening, finishing with 12 saves including one on a Lancer penalty kick.

“We failed to make plays when we needed to,” said Thavisith Mounsithiraj, Goshen head coach. “Grace did a good job controlling the midfield. Our goal was to contain Kari Wildman, which we did. She did not have any quality chances. However we failed to create offensive opportunities. They had a strong stopper (Anderson) who continually shut down our attack, and she also scored the only goal of the game.

“I think we are overly cautious offensively and we did not win the majority of the 50-50 balls. We settle for giving up the 50-50 balls and hope to contain,” he concluded.

Goshen will not have long to stew over the frustrating loss, as the team returns to out-of-conference play against Calumet College Monday night at the Goshen College Soccer Complex. Match time is set for 7 p.m.