The James River girls dropped a decision to Auburn in a non-conference soccer match in Riner Monday. The host Eagles scored three times in the last 25 minutes for the win.

“Excitement was high after the disappointing mid-game cancellation last week,” said River coach Bill Smith, as the Knights and Auburn were rained out of a game last week before completion. “As expected the match was intense as the two powerful teams battled for control of the ball.”

The game remained scoreless for 65 minutes with play going both ways in a balanced contest. With 25 minutes left on the clock Jessica Musselman of the Eagles scored her first of two goals on a goal disputed by coach Smith.

“Fans and players alike were wondering about a no call in the box,” he said. “Her second came with no question on a quality breakaway finish only four minutes later.”

Rachel Rodriguez recorded 12 saves for the Eagles. Colleen Peery made 10 stops for the Knights.

Last week in Springwood the Knights held a 3-1 lead on Auburn when the match was suspended with 3:41 remaining in the half. Between the lightning and excessive water on the field, after an extended delay the officials called the game off.  The match will not be counted because the half was not completed and this game will not be rescheduled due to an already busy finish to the season. River is at Giles tonight and home against Glenvar on Friday at 5:30 p.m.

James River will start post-season play with a home match on Monday, May 22 with the time and opponent to be determined.