WINTER PARK, Fla. – Rollins fell in a physical midweek battle to Embry-Riddle on Wednesday night, dropping a 1-0 decision at Cahall-Sandspur Field.

Both sides battled for possession to open the match, with Rollins finding an early edge through corners and free kicks. The set-piece opportunities came up short as both teams continued to search for the opening goal.

The best opportunity of the first half came in the 27th minute when Alayna Townsend broke free toward goal. The Embry-Riddle goalkeeper came off her line and committed a foul, sending the Tars to the penalty spot. Emma McMurry stepped up for the attempt, but her shot sailed over the crossbar to keep the match scoreless.

The miss didn't deter the Tars, who continued to press forward. Another quality chance came in the 33rd minute when a cross into the box sailed just over the head of Ella Richardson. Rollins kept the pressure on from there, but neither side was able to break through as the scoreless stalemate carried into halftime.

The intensity picked up as both teams continued to search for the opening goal. Embry-Riddle finally broke through in the 51st minute, working the ball through the midfield before finding the back of the net to take a 1-0 advantage.

The physicality increased from there, with a hard challenge on a throw-in leading to a pair of cards for the Eagles and one for McMurry.

Neither side found much room to operate over the ensuing minutes, but Rollins began to push forward as time worked against the Tars. Another opportunity came with less than 20 minutes remaining, but the Eagles held firm to protect their one-goal advantage.

The intensity boiled over once again with another confrontation between the two sides as the match entered its closing minutes.

Rollins earned a corner with six minutes to play, but the ball bounced around the box before eventually falling the Eagles' way. Embry-Riddle forced a turnover and threatened on the other end, but McMurry came through with a tackle to keep the deficit at one.

The Tars made one final push, drawing another corner with less than a minute remaining. Rollins couldn't turn the opportunity into an equalizer before time expired as Embry-Riddle held on for the 1-0 win.

The Eagles improve to 5-0-4 overall and 1-0-2 in SSC play, while Rollins falls to 5-3 overall and 2-1 in conference action. The Tars return to the pitch on Wednesday, September 30 at 7:00 pm when they host Lynn at Cahall-Sandspur Field.