FREDERICK, Md. - Eastern Women's Soccer held a 1-0 lead until the 80th minute, but a late equalizer proved to be the difference in a 1-1 draw with the Hood College Blazers on Saturday afternoon in the Eagles' MAC Commonwealth opener. Senior midfielder Brynn Rathsam scored her first goal since 2021, and first-year goalkeeper Faith Leake made an excellent first impression in her first collegiate start. 

Hood peppered the Eastern net with 18 shots, seven of which were on target. The Eagles, on the other hand, finished the match with just one. Their one chance, though, found the back of the net. 

After a strong goal kick from Leake and some excellent passing in the midfield, Rathsam gathered the ball outside the 18 and ripped a right-footed shot into the top left corner of the net to give the Eagles a 1-0 lead in the 27th minute. It was the first tally for Rathsam since October 20, 2021 in a 6-0 Eastern win over Lancaster Bible. 

The Blazers (3-5-2, 0-0-1), however, continued to press the attack throughout the match. After five shots in the first half, Hood recorded 13 shots the final 45 minutes, and in the 81st minute, the Blazers were able to draw even on a goal from Madison Sheffield. 

It was a strong debut for Leake. The first-year goalkeeper from Philadelphia made six saves, three in the first half and three in the second half, to increase her season total to nine in four appearances. 

The Eagles (1-4-3, 0-0-1) return to non-conference action on Wednesday against PSU Harrisburg in Middletown. The contest is set to begin at 6:00 pm.