Goshen, IN — After opening the season with three scoreless outings, the Goshen College women’ soccer team was finally able to find the net Wednesday, though it was a relatively small consolation prize. The visiting Trinity Christian College Trolls were able to dominate play throughout the 90-minute event, taking a 7-1 decision at the Goshen College Soccer Complex.

“We were overwhelmed right from the start of the game and never quite got into our game,” said Thavisith Mounsithiraj, Goshen head coach. “Trinity Christian is very athletic and skillful. It was difficult to keep up with their speed and aggressiveness. I thought we allowed them too much space and time to play the ball, and they took advantage.”

Goshen (0-4, 0-0) found the Trolls unrelenting for the entire afternoon, as Trinity Christian scored its first goal at the third-minute mark and its last at the 82nd minute. In between those scores were five additional goals, coming within the framework of an incredible 33 shots on the Leafs’ net.

“We came out very flat and were not prepared for their aggressiveness and speed,” said Tera Franklin, Goshen assistant coach. “We must improve our first touch and passing. Nearly every goal was an open look at (freshman) goal keeper Emmy Gibson.”

Gibson may have been the brightest spot for Goshen, as the first-year keeper racked up a career-high 19 saves. Her play earned praise from Mounsithiraj after the match, citing the score could have been much, much worse.

“Emmy Gibson had an incredible game stopping numerous one versus one challenges and forcing many misses on the goal by cutting off attacking players’ angles,” Mounsithiraj said. “She did an absolutely amazing job. You can only do so much in one versus one opportunities, and she made several incredible saves. A well-done job today by Emmy Gibson.”

And while the Leafs’ first goal of the season may have been overshadowed by the most lopsided loss of the year, it may have very well cracked the seal on what has been a tough find thus far. In the 39th minute, sophomore midfielder Claire Lagerwey sent Goshen’s lone corner kick of the match into the box. Senior forward Tara Plank found the ball at her right foot, which she calmly blasted into the net. The score helped this year’s squad avoid the record books: No team in program history has been held scoreless through four full matches to open a season.

“Despite the loss, it was nice to put one in the net for the first time this season,” Mounsithiraj said. “Claire Lagerwey was able to place a corner kick right in front of the goal past some Troll defenders. Tara Plank found the ball at her feet and was able to knock it in. Sometimes, the first goal of the season can open things up offensively. It’s our hope that perhaps we can take something positive from this match.”

Goshen will not have much time to prepare for its next match, as the Leafs will play their third game in five days this Friday evening. Bethel College (Kansas) makes a trip East to the Goshen College Soccer Complex. Match time is set for 6 p.m.