Grace’s women’s soccer team got its first international match experience with a 2-2 tie of the Cayman Islands U20 Women’s National Team at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex on Thursday (22).

The Lady Lancers, in the midst of their missions trip to the Cayman Islands, controlled the pace and possession for much of the first half. Grace rattled off a handful of shots in the opening period and was especially dangerous inside 30 minutes.

Kaitlan Wiles had two goal-scoring opportunities that were denied, and Jackie Seal sliced a brilliant pass to Lauren Becker, but her shot narrowly missed high from eight yards.

Grace fell behind 2-0 after allowing a low 22-yard shot in the 40th minute and a high bouncing ball in the 60th minute that was misplayed and headed over goalkeeper Carmen Barnhill.

But Grace’s comeback was quick in response. Two minutes after conceding their second goal, Wiles was taken down in the penalty area allowing Jocelyn Evans to finish a penalty kick.

In the 89th minute, Becker attempted to chest a ball in the box, but a defender clearly handled the chip for the second penalty of the evening. This time, Kelsey Christner hammered home the game-leveling goal.

Grace nearly won the game in extra time, but Wiles’s header over the goalkeeper was cleared off the goal line by a Cayman Island defender.Overall, Grace finished the match with an 80/20 advantage in time of possession.

“The women brought a precise, technical game tonight. I was concerned they would come out a little wobbly from the heat and playing in this environment, but they showed none of that,” said Grace head coach Michael Voss. “The [Cayman Islands] U20’s are a quality side and play hard. They have a ton of international match experience under their belt and are an impressive young group. We are very fortunate to be involved with the Cayman Islands Football Association and have been truly blessed by the hospitality of the Women’s National Team and the island.”

Story source: By Grace Sports Information Department