Marshall, MO – The eighth-ranked UC women's soccer team netted a pair of first half goals but a late goal by 12^th-ranked Missouri Valley forced a 2-2 draw Saturday afternoon. The Patriots move to 1-0-1 after the match, while the Vikings move to 0-0-1.

Nicole Araujo led the way for UC with a goal and an assist in the match, while Juana Fernandez Calvo netted her second goal of the season.  Morgan White made four saves between the post as Samantha Sokolove dished out an assists and added a defensive save in the match.

The two teams traded possession in the opening minutes before Nicole Araujo fired a shot towards the inside post, which was saved by the Vikings. Cumberlands continued to apply the pressure forcing a turnover as Araujo pushed the ball forward to Juana Fernandez Calvo, who put a well-placed shot into the upper corner of the net making it 1-0 five minutes into the game.  Cumberlands looked to extend their lead, however, an offside call negated the goal.  In the 15', the Vikings sent a free kick into the box, where Morgan White came off her line to end the threat.  The two teams traded possession over the next 15 minutes before Noah Paalman sent a cross into the box, however Letizia Traversone shot deflected off the crossbar.  UC was able to convert two minutes as Samantha Sokolove sent a long ball behind the Missouri Valley defense, where Araujo flipped it over the goalie head and into the net giving the Pats a 2-0 lead.  The Vikings looked to cut into the lead in the closing minute as White made a save, but couldn't control the possession as Missouri Valley converted to cut the lead to 2-1 at the break.

Missouri Valley came out in the second half looking for an equalizer tallying a pair of shots and a corner kick in the first eight minutes.  Carla Carmona's header was deflected away by Sokolove keeping the Patriots in front 2-1.  UC looked to extend their lead as Sara Soto tallied a shot in a 62' however in went wide left.  White notched her second save of the match in the 63' keeping Cumberlands in front.  Missouri Valley had the Patriots defense on their heels majority of next 20 minutes and UC answered the challenge.  Cumberlands made a strong run in the 81' but couldn't convert. In the closing minute of the  match, Judit Ferre put a well-placed a free kick for the equalizer and the 2-2 final.

Cumberlands returns to the pitch on Tuesday, August 26,  when they travel to Milligan, TN to face the Buffaloes. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

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