SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The UAlbany women's soccer team was not able to recover from an early deficit on Sunday afternoon, falling at Syracuse 2-0 to finish up its four-game road trip to open the year.
UAlbany (1-3) fell after Syracuse (3-0-1) notched goals in the 4th and 18th minutes. The Great Danes got looks at the cage and held the Orange without a shot on goal in the second half, but were not able to bridge the gap.
Mariah Williams led UAlbany with two shots while Michaela Webb had a shot on goal in the first half. Chloe Borasky saved two shots in the defeat in goal.
Maddie Iozzi and Taylor Bennett had the pair of goals for the Orange in the first half. Courtney Brosnan saved three shots in the win.
Syracuse scored on its first opportunity as Iozzi went for a shot from long range and scored in the 4th minute to put the Orange up 1-0.
The home team kept possession in its offensive third for a couple of minute, leading to three corner kicks. UAlbany held against all, with Borasky saving Alex Lamontagne's chance towards the conclusion of the 12th minute.
UAlbany saw its first chance in the 14th minute as Alexa Schneider tried for the net, seeing her shot blocked.
Syracuse added its second goal off a free kick from long range. Bennett struck for the goal from 35 yards out and scored to make it 2-0 Orange.
UAlbany nearly got its first goal as Kiana Rugar got room for a shot in the 27th, missing above the crossbar.
In minute 30, UAlbany defended against a couple of Syracuse corner kicks, clearing out the chances. Minutes later, Lamontagne tried again for a shot, again being stopped by Borasky.
In the waning minutes of the first, Webb substituted on and got a look on goal, but Brosnan made the save. Syracuse led 2-0 at the half.
Quickly into the second half, Meghan Cavanaugh took aim to the cage within a minute, with Brosnan making a save. The next 15 minutes saw each team try to get possessions in the midfield.
Syracuse picked up a corner kick opportunity in the 67th minute as a defender blocked Lamontagne's shot. UAlbany countered and the other way, Kimberly Dieroff went for a long range shot but was also blocked. Two minutes later, Williams took a shot but was saved.
UAlbany's defense held Syracuse without a shot on goal the entire second half, but the Great Danes could not muster a goal themselves. UAlbany fell to Syracuse 2-0.
The Great Danes have their home opener on Thursday, September 1st at 7 p.m. vs. Rhode Island at Tom & Mary Casey Stadium.
