WAIPAHU, Hawai'i – The Hawai'i Pacific University women's soccer team suffered its first loss of the season as Concordia Portland edged the Sharks 2-1 on Wednesday afternoon at the Waipio Soccer Complex.
 
The Sharks (2-1) fell behind the Cavaliers (2-1) early and could never get the equalizing goal in the match.
 
"I'm proud of our effort," said HPU head coach Gina Brewer. "Concordia Portland is a quality opponent, and it showed that our girls can compete with the best schools in the region."
 
The Sharks trailed 2-0 in the 71st minute, when senior Sara Romo of Elk Grove, Calif./Franklin scored on a direct kick from 25 yards on the restart following Cavalier foul.
 
HPU had three more quality scoring opportunities in the final 20 minutes that were halted by a strong CUP defense.
 
On the day, the Sharks were outshot by the Cavs 25-7.
 
HPU junior goalkeeper Lauren Spencer of Oxford, Mich./Oxford, collected seven saves in the contest, despite two goals against. HPU also had a team save as they faced 10 CUP shots on goal.
 
HPU recorded four shots on goal, as Concordia's Anna Miller notched three saves and allowed a score.
 
Concordia opened the scoring just nine minutes in when Sydney Van Steenberge blasted a shot from 30 yards out from the left side to take a 1-0 lead.
 
The score remained through halftime until the Cavaliers added a second goal in the 58th minute on Quinn Williams second goal of the season off the assist from Jennifer Aguirre.
 
The Sharks return to action at the Waipahu Soccer Complex on Friday afternoon when the host Western Oregon in a 4 p.m. match on Field 5. CUP meets Hawai'i Hilo in a match preceding HPU's on Friday at 12:30 p.m. on Field 5.