LA VERNE, Calif. — Nat Bristol converted a long-range shot in the 68th minute to lift NAIA No. 24 Embry-Riddle (Ariz.) past La Verne, 1-0, on Sunday night at Ortmayer Stadium.
La Verne falls to 1-3-0 and Embry-Riddle improves to 4-1-1.
La Verne goalkeeper Sabrina Sandoval got her hands on Bristol's shot, but the ball had too much mustard on it and deflected into the net.
The Leopards held strong against one of the best teams in the scholarship-granting NAIA, but the Eagles' size and physcially eventually prevailed. La Verne matched Embry-Riddle shot-for-shot in the first half, but the Eagles outshot the Leopards, 9-2, in the second half.
La Verne's defense anchored by Cambria Smith and Davia Casillas was especailly impressive. With the Leopards trying to regain their footing after Embry-Riddle's goal, the defense made three goal-line clearances to prevent the lead from getting any bigger.
Other than the lone goal, La Verne's goalkeepers were nearly flawless. Heather Seman got the start and made three saves in the first half while Sandoval got the second-half assignment and turned away seven shots.
Kindal Cubak and Jessica Hernandez each had a shot on goal for the Leopards.
The Leopards open SCIAC play on Wedneday when it hosts Occidental for a 7 p.m. kickoff.
