Eagles draw with Air Force

CHENEY — Eastern Washington women’s soccer ended their game against Air Force with a 2-2 draw, according to a statement by EWU athletics. The Falcons scored first, but Kendall Moore stuck back in the second half, while Noelle Raczykowski contributed a goal of her own. The Falcons found the equalizer to draw 2-2.  

“We had some tactical things we wanted out of the day,” said head coach Missy Strasburg. “We really wanted to expose them high and wide against their back three, and we had a lot of success early on. But more than anything, we challenged our group on work rate and those individual battles in transition.”  

The Eagles came out strong, holding much of the early possession while both sides created good chances. Air Force broke through in the 31st minute with a ball that slipped past Kamryn Willoughby to take a 1-0 lead into halftime.  

EWU stormed out of the break, and just five minutes in, Moore leveled the score with a clean strike from outside the 18, tucking it inside the right post. Minutes later, Noelle Raczykowski scored her first career goal from nearly the same spot, blasting home the go-ahead goal for the Eagles.  

Air Force responded in the 74th minute. Raine Komata moved the ball past midfield, setting up Annika Jost in the attacking third. In a statement by Air Force athletics, Jost played the chance well and found a slot after pulling the keeper off the line to even the match at 2-2.   

“I am happy with four points on the road against two tough opponents,” Air Force head coach Laura Busby said. “I was proud of the way we battled back in the second half and didn't give up after going down a goal.”  

Strasburg said having Moore back made a big impact on the team after being out for six weeks.   

“She's dangerous with both feet, explosive on the ball, and to see her make that impact after six weeks out couldn't make me happier,” Strasburg said.   

The Eagles return to action Thursday, Sept. 11, at 9 p.m. at the University of Hawaii.