IRVINE, Calif. – Embry-Riddle (Ariz.) proved its standing as the nation's fifth-ranked team on Thursday at the OC Great Park with a 5-0 victory over Hope International in GSAC women's soccer action.
Jamie Brandon and Samantha Wright each netted a pair of goals as the Eagles remained unbeaten at 7-0-1 overall and 5-0-0 in the GSAC. The Royals dropped to 4-3-0 overall and 3-2-0 in conference play.
The Eagles struck twice within the first 10 minutes and carried a 4-0 lead into halftime, out shooting the Royals 13-0.
Brandon connected for the first goal at the 4:56 mark as she one-timed a cross from Kaitlyn Roskopf into the net. Wright increased the lead to 2-0 at the 10:06 mark.
Brandon, who is tied for fourth nationally with 12 goals, tallied her second goal of the afternoon in the 32nd minute. ERAU went up 4-0 in the 42nd minute as a shot went off an HIU defender and into the net for an own goal.
The Royals regrouped at halftime and came out aggressive in the second half. The half was evenly played as HIU took 10 shots to ERAU's nine.
HIU had two dangerous opportunities to score goals as Emely Bravo and Kalia Lanoza both hit the crossbar in the 55th and 88th minutes.
ERAU tallied a fifth goal midway through the second half, capitalizing on a foul committed in the box. Wright stepped up and converted the penalty kick for her second score of the game.
Victoria Ruiz was busy in net for the Royals, tying her career high with nine saves. She also had nine saves in last year's GSAC Tournament semifinals against Embry-Riddle.
Bravo led the Royals with four shots, while Lanoza and Angely Puga had two apiece.
Maile Kahele and Aubrianne Dupre' split goalkeeping duties for the Eagles and combined for the shutout while not needing to make any saves.
After four straight games at home, HIU heads back out on the road to face The Master's on Wednesday, September 30 at 1:30 p.m.
