UAlbany WSOC Five-Game Unbeaten Streak Snapped After 1-0 Defeat to UMBC
Box Score | Box Score (PDF)
ALBANY, N.Y. – Battling the elements and the reigning league champion, the UAlbany women's soccer team narrowly fell in a back and forth 1-0 duel to UMBC on a rainy Thursday night.
A late Jessy Brown goal in the 72nd minute in the second half from Morgan Taylor gave UMBC (12-3-2, 4-1-2 AE) the win over UAlbany (6-8-4, 3-2-2 AE), which snaps its unbeaten streak at five games.
“Tonight wasn't our best performance, but the girls are committed to finishing the regular season strongly,” said UAlbany coach Caitlin Cucchiella. “We are focused on Maine this Sunday.”
Alana Brennan had three saves in goal despite the defeat. The win went to Jen Nance, who saved five shots for UMBC.
UAlbany got a couple of early corner kicks, but they did not result in shots. Virginia Moyer countered on the second, with Brennan saving the attempt.
Each side tried to get free as the rain came pouring down. In the 21st minute, Alexa Schneider got a long shot off, with Nance saving the ball. In the minutes following, Amira Walcott fired off two for UMBC, with neither being on goal.
UMBC got an opportunity in the 36th minute off a Taylor corner kick. Nikki Boretti headed the ball towards the right post, where Shelby Belak kicked it away to prevent the score. UMBC tried again as an offsides call ended the threat.
UAlbany had three more shots before the end of the half, including a setup from Krista Fitzpatrick to Kiana Rugar for a quick shot off a cross. Nance saved all three as the two sides went into the locker room in a stalemate.
The second half was a battle in the midfield as the rain continued to fall. Schneider took a low header off a cross, which was blocked away by a UMBC defender six minutes into the period.
In the 72nd minute, UAlbany attempted to clear a ball, with the pass taken by Taylor. Taylor kicked to Brown ahead of the back line, who kicked the ball into the upper right corner to put the visitors up 1-0.
Caitlyn Paltsios attempted a corner kick in the 79th minute, with the ball getting knocked away to the far side. Schneider attempted a shot in response, missing high.
UAlbany had a last chance towards the closing minutes. Nance tried to clear ahead of a charging Kelsey Luke. Nance's attempt slammed Luke's back and went backwards towards the goal, but a defender kicked the ball away before the ball crossed the goal line. UAlbany did not get another chance and fell to UMBC 1-0.
UAlbany will head north to play its final regular season game, taking on Maine in Orono on Sunday, October 26th at 1 p.m.
