KISSIMMEE, Fl.--- The No. 4 Asbury women's soccer team (11-9-3) dropped to No. 1 Bethel University (12-7-2), 3-2 in its final pool play match at the National Christian College Athletics Association (NCCAA) National Tournament on Thursday.
Bethel opened the match with a rapid surge, scoring three goals in the first nine minutes. The Pilots struck in the 5th minute, then added finishes in the 7th and 9th minutes to take an early 3–0 lead.
Asbury responded just two minutes later. Junior biology major Anna Sparks scored her 10th goal of the season in the 11th minute, cutting the deficit to 3–1 and helping the Eagles settle into the match.
AU continued to apply pressure in the second half and found its breakthrough in the 69th minute, when freshman biochemistry major Elle Steimel scored her first career goal to bring the Eagles within one.
Asbury's goalkeeper, Peyton Steiniger, anchored the AU defense with seven saves on the day. Bethel finished with 24 shots, including 10 on goal, while Asbury recorded 11 shots with seven on target.
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Anna Sparks | 1 G
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Elle Steimel | 1 G (First Career Goal)
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Peyton Steiniger | 7 SV, 90'
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Maggie Perry,
Tallulah Lafferty | 90'
The Eagles conclude their 2025 season at a 11-9-4 record.
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