Hope International hands Warriors first loss of the season.

IRVINE, Calif. – Midland University's women's soccer team traveled to Irvine, California to face Hope International University in a non-conference matchup on a Friday night. The Royals held the Warriors in check, handing them their first loss of the season, 2-0.

The Warriors had trouble keeping up with the Royals' offense early on, as they dominated in shots 14-3 with 6-1 on the frame. The teams were scoreless heading into halftime.

After the intermission, Hope International added pressure early on with a goal in the 50th minute to take the lead. They continued to carry the heat, adding a second goal in the 78th minute, limiting the Warriors' chances to earn the shutout. Hope International had a substantial advantage in shots 32-11, 12-4 on the frame.

Hannah Tillison played the full 90 minutes in goal, earning 12 saves on the night.

"Hope International was a really tough opponent that asked a lot of questions of us," said head coach Cody Bartlow afterward. "I thought we did a good job of answering some of those questions, we left some unanswered. It was a good game for us to learn and grow from as we try to become the team that we're capable of being. Success is never an easy road and this is a setback that will make us stronger in the long run."

Midland (2-1) will be back in action on Saturday, September 2, in Costa Mesa, California as they take on Saint Katherine (1-1-2). The matchup is scheduled for a 12:00 p.m. (CT) start at the Vanguard University Soccer Complex.