Corner Kick Magic Not Enough to Keep OPSU Undefeated
September 10, 2025
KANSAS CITY, Mo. The Oklahoma Panhandle State women's soccer team (2-1-0) suffered its first loss of the season Wednesday afternoon at Avila University (2-3-0) despite converting goals off a pair of corner kicks. In the 3-2 defeat, goalkeeper AlaraLynn Gunderson collected six saves, putting the junior over 100 stops in her career.
After falling behind 1-0 in the opening minute, OPSU's Emily Chavez took a corner kick in the fourth minute that was deflected by the Eagles towards the feet of Kacie Garrett. Garrett notched the equalizer, marking the first goal in the defender's career.
Panhandle State took the lead early in the 15th minute, when Chavez again was called upon for a corner kick that, in déjà vu fashion from Friday's home opener, found the head of Emma Daskalov for her third goal of the season.
Daskalov's strike, assisted by Chavez, put the Berlin, Germany, native past 20 points in her career.
The Aggies could not take their lead into halftime, though, as Avila left OPSU's defense scrambling in the 37th minute to tie the match, 2-2.
The Eagles kept the pressure up in the second half by posting a 10-3 advantage in shots during the frame, and the hosts made OPSU pay on the game winner with under six minutes to play.
Daskalov led Panhandle State in the match with three shots (two on goal), while Joyleen Aleman and Yaddelis Alderete notched two shots and a shot on frame apiece.
What's up next: The Aggies look to bounce back when they return to Anchor D Stadium on Saturday to face Hesston College (1-3-1).
After falling behind 1-0 in the opening minute, OPSU's Emily Chavez took a corner kick in the fourth minute that was deflected by the Eagles towards the feet of Kacie Garrett. Garrett notched the equalizer, marking the first goal in the defender's career.
Panhandle State took the lead early in the 15th minute, when Chavez again was called upon for a corner kick that, in déjà vu fashion from Friday's home opener, found the head of Emma Daskalov for her third goal of the season.
Daskalov's strike, assisted by Chavez, put the Berlin, Germany, native past 20 points in her career.
The Aggies could not take their lead into halftime, though, as Avila left OPSU's defense scrambling in the 37th minute to tie the match, 2-2.
The Eagles kept the pressure up in the second half by posting a 10-3 advantage in shots during the frame, and the hosts made OPSU pay on the game winner with under six minutes to play.
Daskalov led Panhandle State in the match with three shots (two on goal), while Joyleen Aleman and Yaddelis Alderete notched two shots and a shot on frame apiece.
What's up next: The Aggies look to bounce back when they return to Anchor D Stadium on Saturday to face Hesston College (1-3-1).
