RADFORD – For Radford head coach Ben Sohrabi, playing a challenging schedule prior to Big South play was an emphasis in 2009.  American fit that shoe on Sunday.

Kelsey Brasher's first half goal was the difference, and the Eagles limited the Highlanders offensively all afternoon, in a 1-0 non-conference women's soccer win at Cupp Stadium.

“We're not happy with losing,” Sohrabi said.  “But that American team was a good one, and that's going to prepare us for down the road when we get into conference play.”

Brasher gave the Eagles (4-2-0) a boost with the game-winner in the 24th minute, scoring on a blast from 20 yards out into the upper near side corner of the net to give American a 1-0 lead and their only offense of the afternoon.

For the Highlanders (3-4-0), the silver lining was their play defensively, led by sophomore goalkeeper Lisa Lubke (Columbus, Ohio/St. Francis DeSales).

“She did a great job for us,” Sohrabi said.  “It was actually her distribution for us that made the difference, even though she made some good stops here and there.

“Lisa hit some balls deep that gave us some half chances, and I think those are the kind of opportunities that will turn into goals.”

Lubke made five saves, including a diving stop on Patricia Bailey's shot from just inside the penalty box in 15th minute to keep the game scoreless early.  In the 81st minute, Lubke kept the score 1-0 with her play on Brasher on a one-on-one in the box.

“It was a day where we had to play at our highest level defensively,” Sohrabi said.  “If we can mark a team like this in our conference games, we'll be in good shape.”

The Highlanders play their next two games away from home, beginning Friday (Sept. 18) at Old Dominion, before a 10-day break in the schedule.