ROCK ISLAND, Ill. -- The Augustana Vikings women's soccer battled back from a two-goal halftime deficit Saturday, but Carroll held on for a 3-2 victory.
Carroll struck twice in the opening 21 minutes to give the Pioneers a 2-0 advantage. Augustana goalkeeper Sara Schinker kept the Vikings within reach, making three saves during the opening half as Carroll recorded six shots.
Augie came out with renewed energy after halftime and quickly cut into the deficit. Just 1:43 into the second half, Skylar Swanson scored her fourth goal of the season to make it a 2-1 game. The Vikings continued to fight for an equalizer, but Carroll answered in the 61st minute to restore the Pioneers' two-goal cushion.
In the 79th minute, Alyssa Mowry brought the Vikings within one with her first goal of the season, finishing off a play assisted by Iara Moscovich. The goal gave Augustana renewed momentum late in the match. The Vikings continued to press in the closing minutes. With just under eight minutes remaining, Jordyn Swanson nearly found the breakthrough, sending a shot off the crossbar, but Carroll's defense held firm through the final whistle.
Mowry and Skylar Swanson each finished with a goal for the Vikings, while Moscovich contributed an assist. In goal, Schinker finished with eight saves for Augustana.
With the loss, Augustana moves to 3-4-2 overall and 0-2-0 in conference play. The Vikings will be back in action on Sept. 30 for a non-conference battle at Coe.
