WINONA LAKE, Ind. — Graceland University women's soccer dropped its first match of the 2025 season on Saturday afternoon, falling 3-0 to Grace College in non-conference play at 1st Source Bank Field. The host Lancers scored all three goals inside the first 28 minutes, and despite a composed second half from the Yellowjackets, the early deficit proved insurmountable.

With the result, Graceland moves to 0-1-1 overall, while Grace improves to 2-0. Both teams have yet to begin conference competition.

Grace opened the match with sustained attacking pressure, recording 13 first-half shots, including eight on goal. The Lancers forced nine corner kicks in the first 45 minutes and consistently controlled possession in the attacking third.

The breakthrough came in the 13th minute, when Rylee Burns found space inside the penalty area and slotted a low shot past the keeper off an assist from Audrey Abel. Grace doubled its lead six minutes later, with Cassidy Felger finishing a rebound opportunity following a shot from Abby Hodkin that struck the post. Felger struck again in the 28th minute, converting a through ball from Nora Pollock to make it 3-0.

Graceland struggled to maintain possession early and did not record a shot in the first half. The Yellowjackets also faced challenges clearing service from wide areas, particularly off set pieces. Despite the pressure, goalkeeper Maggie Peterson made five first-half saves, including two diving stops from close range.

Peterson was replaced at halftime by Alexis Porter, who logged two saves in the second half and helped organize a more composed defensive effort. Graceland allowed only two shots on goal after the break and held Grace scoreless for the final 63 minutes.

Offensively, Graceland recorded its first and only shot in the 65th minute, when Chloe Montera attempted a strike from distance. The shot did not reach Grace goalkeeper Ivy Cline, who finished the match without facing an attempt on frame.

Graceland's starting back line of Veronica Baehr, Elisa Lopez, Nuria Garcia, and Mackenzie Ralston played significant minutes and were active in cutting out crosses, winning second balls, and absorbing Grace's final-third possession. Midfielder Sierra Flores and forward Tessa Cook also started and contributed in defensive recovery.

After conceding three early goals, the Yellowjackets showed tactical improvement and resilience in the second half, which head coach Randall Porter emphasized postgame.

"We ran into a very good team today in Grace, and we were not ready from the beginning to compete — and that hurt us," Porter said. "Traveling for four days and being such a young team, we learned a lot in today's game that we can certainly use moving forward."

Porter also credited the squad's response to adversity, particularly how they played after the early deficit.

"I was very proud of how we responded after being down 3-0 in the first 25 minutes to not conceding another goal the rest of the game," he added. "But we have to be better to start games, and I'm confident we will be."

Grace finished with a 23–1 edge in total shots and an advantage of 17–0 in corner kicks, maintaining possession for the majority of the match. The Lancers rotated several players through the midfield and forward positions, with 10 different players recording at least one shot and five placing efforts on target.

Felger's brace and Burns' early strike highlighted Grace's ability to convert attacking sequences quickly. The Lancers' midfield, led by Abel and Hodkin, consistently won possession in transition and played vertical into the channels. Their pressing kept Graceland from building through the middle third and resulted in multiple quick recoveries.

Graceland's midfield group included Angelika Laginova and Elisa Lopez, both of whom logged minutes across both halves. Substitutes Lely Kramer, Antonia Diaz, Emma Eltiste, and Keylannah Gutierrez entered to manage workload during the first road trip of the season.

Graceland was called for one foul, while Grace was whistled for three. There were no yellow cards or ejections. Grace's attacking efficiency, particularly in the opening half, created too steep a margin for the Yellowjackets to overcome.

Stat leaders for Graceland included:

• Maggie Peterson: 5 saves, 45 minutes

• Alexis Porter: 2 saves, 45 minutes

• Chloe Montera: 1 shot

• Veronica Baehr, Elisa Lopez, Mackenzie Ralston: 90 minutes played each

The loss concludes Graceland's four-day road trip through Indiana, marking the team's second result after opening with a draw earlier in the week. The Yellowjackets will now shift focus to a two-match Nebraska road swing.

NEXT MATCH: Graceland travels to face the College of Saint Mary (Neb.) on Wednesday, August 27 at 5:00 p.m. CDT. The match will take place at Heritage Park in Omaha, Nebraska.

For more information on Graceland women's soccer and all of Graceland athletics, visit GUjackets.com.