BRISTOL, Tenn. – The King University women’s soccer team got a second-half goal from Keely Easterling, but was unable to erase a three-goal deficit and fell to Carson-Newman University 3-1.

Easterling’s 66th minute goal came off a cross into the box from Kaitlin Robinson. Easterling took a touch, then was able to beat the keeper one-on-one for the first goal of her King career. The goal made the score 3-1 , but the Tornado were able to come no closer.

A Carson-Newman barrage in the first half gave the Eagles a commanding 3-0 lead. A goal from six yards out in the 18th minute was the first score of the game. The Eagles would move ahead 14 minutes later on a brilliant goal off a free kick. Susann Kneifel played a free kick into the penalty area, and Sam Thomsit flicked a header to the far post. The lead was stretched to three goals four minutes later.

King created several scoring opportunities late in the second half but was unable to capitalize. Rachel Thorpe and Rayna Spears connected in the 75th minute for a series of perfect passes down the right side. Thorpe dribbled through the legs of a defender and played a cross into the box, but the Eagles’ goalkeeper was able to smother the ball just before a shot.

Moments later, Shalisa Barnett sent a free kick from 75 yards away across midfield toward Easterling, who flicked a header to Thorpe from 35 yards away. Thorpe dribbled through three defenders and took a shot from 12 yards out that sailed just wide of the net.

The shots were nearly even, with Carson-Newman taking 18 to King’s 15. Each team made four saves in the contest.

The Tornado return to action against crosstown foe Virginia Intermont at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday.