Fayette, Mo. - The Central Methodist women's soccer team concluded its season Saturday afternoon, falling 3-1 to John Brown University in the Second Round of the NAIA National Championship Tournament in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. 

The opening minutes had both sides putting on intense pressure and playing very direct in hopes of finding an early goal. The Golden Eagles found that in the 24th minute, as Katherine Keys converted on a pass inside the 18-yard box, beating the outstretched glove of CMU goalkeeper Madison Priebe.

The Golden Eagles struck again minutes before the halftime break as Addie Craig gave her side a 2-0 lead at the conclusion of the first half. 

Central came out of the break aggressive and it paid off early. Leading goalscorer Mariana Barreto got her side's first goal of the tournament off of a Kirstine Lykke assist to cut the deficit in half.

CMU continued to try and push bodies forward as much as possible, but the Golden Eagles' defense held strong throughout the rest of the match.

In the 66th minute, JBU sealed the victory with an Olivia Fish goal to give her side a 3-1 advantage. They held that scoreline through until the full 90 minutes to advance to the final site of the National Championship.

The Eagles finished the match with six corner kicks opposed to just one by John Brown.

Priebe had a busy afternoon in between the posts, making four saves against seven on-shot targets by the Golden Eagles.

Central ends its 2024 season with a 16-4-1 record and a 9-2 mark in conference play, including their eighth straight trip to the NAIA National Tournament. 

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