Wilmore, KY – The University of the Cumberlands Women's Soccer Team overcame an early deficit but it wasn't enough as the Patriots fell to Asbury 3-1 Friday night at the Eagles Soccer Field.  With the win the Eagles improve to 5-2, while the Patriots fall to 4-3.

Asbury struck first as Mia Wiersema made a transition goal 1:19 into the first half to give the Eagles an early 1-0 lead.  The Patriots looked for the equalizer as Sara Randez's cross deflected off the keeper's hands, right to Jody LeMaster who put it away for the goal in the 19' minute.  The Eagles responded two minutes later with a goal of their own to retake the lead 2-1.  UC looked to tie the game again but Emily Willoughby's shot sailed over the goal keeping the score 2-1 with 12 minutes remaining in the opening period.  Christie Funk made a pair of defensive stops and a pair of diving saves in the final minutes of the first half to keep the score 2-1 at the break.

Cumberlands began the second half on the offensive attack as Shelby Little fired a shot that went just wide.  The Patriots defensive continued to shine as Erin Bolas made a team save off a Wiersema shot, followed by Funk recording her fourth save of the contest to keep the score 2-1 ten minutes in. UC looked to rally as Randez and Willoughy both put shots on frame, but Carly Pyles made the saves for Asbury.  The score remained that way until the 71' minute when Laura Millis netted an unassisted goal to extend Asbury lead to 3-1.  The Patriots put a pair of shots on goal but couldn't convert for the 3-1 final.

LeMaster led the Patriots with her team-high sixth goal of the season, while Randez has dished out assists in back-to-back games. Funk finished the night with eight saves.

The Patriots will return to action Friday, September 22, when they travel to Pulaski, TN to face fourth-ranked Martin Methodist.  It's the Patriots second game against a ranked opponent this season. The game is slated to begin at 8 p.m. and live video is available here, while live stats are available here.  

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