FOLEY, Ala. – Carey recorded their first loss of the season as they went down 2-0 to No.1 Keiser.
 
Despite William Carey and Keiser being 750 miles apart, this game has turned into a rivalry due to the two teams constantly competing against each other in the latter stages of the NAIA National Tournament. This showdown between the number 1 & 2 teams in the country was about more than just a win, but who would have the upper hand when it came to post season play.
 
Both teams knew they'd have to be on top of their game if they were to get anything out of this game and both played like it.
 
Carey threatened first with a dangerous set piece inside five minutes. KU keeper Mio Tanaka made the error of handling the ball outside of her own box, gifting Carey a free kick. Karen Vilau touched the ball off to Virginia Mesa whose shot was deflected out for a corner.
 
Keiser's first clear opportunity came in the 20^th minute. Steingerour Snorradottir's cross found Lauren Riley at the back post whose shot was smothered by Nerea Pallas Padilla. Not two minutes later Riley found herself in possession in the WCU box again but dragged her shot wide of the left post.
 
Carey's next best chance came off a set piece. A long free kick found it's way to Livia Pertl at the back post. Unfortunately for Pertl, she couldn't turn the bouncing ball goalwards and sent it over the bar.
 
Keiser's next chance came from Maria Vilhena. Vilhena received the ball at the top of the box but couldn't get a clean contact and the ball trickled into Padilla's hands.
 
Keiser controlled the closing 15 minutes of the first half but couldn't break down a resilient Carey team. Carey's off the ball work and willingness to track runners frustrated the Seahawks as they were unable to create any clear chances.
 
With 90 seconds left in the first half, KU found their goal. Ruby Vernon played Blanca Baechi through on goal. Baechi took a touch towards Padilla and calmly slotted the ball past the on-rushing keeper.
 
KU started the second half just as they finished the first, by putting the ball in the Carey net. Delia Letelier gained possession inside the Carey six-yard box. Carey failed to clear their lines, and after some pinball off both teams' shins, Letelier toe poked the ball into the net to double their lead.
 
Keiser controlled the remainder of the game as the Lady Crusaders failed to create anything meaningful going forward and often failed to get out their own half. Keiser kept up their offensive pressure and often threatened going forward but were unable to create anything clear cut.
 
Keiser's best chance to add a 3^rd came 3 minutes from time. A long ball into the box found Vilhena. Vilhena chested off to Emily Lau who brought the ball under control and unleashed a shot that looked destined for the top corner. Fortunately, for Carey, the shot cannoned off the crossbar and was cleared from harm.
 
Carey are back in action on Saturday, September 6^th as they face SCAD – Savannah. That game is set for 1:30 PM at the Foley Sports Tourism Complex in Foley, Ala.