Women's Soccer Posts Shutout Win Over Grace

Bourbonnais, Ill.., (Sept. 11, 2023)- The Missouri Valley College women's soccer team finished play in Bourbonnais, Ill., with a neutral-site game against Grace (Ind.), Monday afternoon.  The Vikings used an early goal in the first half to win the contest, 1-0.

Missouri Valley opened the game with the better of possession and worked its first shot on goal with just over two minutes played, as the attempt from Sophomore Forward Ashley Arribas (Lake Forest, Calif.) was saved.  The two teams traded possession over the next several minutes, and the Vikings eventually came up with another quality chance.  Freshman Defender Carla Estrade Hernandez (Madrid, Spain) set up Arribas with a shot that beat the Grace keeper and put the team in front, 1-0, with just over 15 minutes played.  Missouri Valley held Grace to without a shot on goal through the rest of the half.  Freshman Forward Julia Richardson (Ashland, Mo.) tried to increase the advantage near the 37-minute mark, but her shot was saved.  Unable to add to their lead, the Vikings went into halftime in front by the one goal.

The second half started with Missouri Valley creating a number of chances in the opening 11 minutes.  Junior Forward Miriam Aldabo Alguero (Mequinenza, Spain) and Senior Midfielder Miluska Guevara (Panama City, Panama) each had shots on goal saved over the stretch of play.  The Vikings continued to press the Grace defense, as Sophomore Forward Viktoria Einsbor (Havdrup, Denmark), Sophomore Midfielder Judit Ferre (Barcelona, Spain) and Aldabo Alguero each had shots saved through the 61-minute mark.  Grace tried to rally late and find an equalizing goal, creating three corner kicks and the team's only shot on goal in the final 12 minutes.  Freshman Goalkeeper Marina Barbara Bujalance (Cornella Llobregat, Spain) saved the only attempt on goal faced in the game, and preserved the 1-0 victory.

Arribas scored her third goal of the season, and registered her first game-winning goal.  Estrade Hernandez added her first assist.  Barbara Bujalance made one save and earned her first shutout.  The Vikings held a 13-4 advantage in shots, and a 4-2 edge in corner kicks.

The win moves Missouri Valley to 1-3-2 on the season, while Grace falls to 2-4.

Up next, the Viking women's soccer team will open play in the Heart of America Athletic Conference with a road game in Parkville, Mo., against Park (Mo.).  Game is at 12 p.m., and is followed by the men's game at 2:30 p.m.

Box Score-Click Here

About Missouri Valley College

Known for its dynamic, richly diverse, and friendly educational environment, Missouri Valley College offers many opportunities to grow in mind, body, and spirit. Grounded in the liberal arts, undergraduate studies empower students to master interdisciplinary skills needed to succeed in a knowledge-based global society. MVC offers over 30 academic programs, study abroad program, extracurricular activities, and a wide variety of sports. The most popular majors include education and business, criminal justice and exercise science. Above all, Valley is committed to student success. For more information, call (660) 831-4000 or visit www.moval.edu.