Buffalo, N.Y. – The Le Moyne College women's soccer team fell to Canisius College with a final score of 2-0 on Thursday at the Demske Sports Complex.
Le Moyne (0-1-0)
Starters: McPheron (GK), Brown, Hatch, Day, McMahon, Cookinham, Lathrop, Vigliotti, Devito, Gillen, Cutuli
Canisius (1-0-0)
Starters: Turmel (GK), Pickard, Nuttall, Whitaker, Joerger, Fagan, Cavanaugh, Osmond, Cregan, Jones, Molloy
Recap:
"We are trusting the process and trusting ourselves." said head coach
Taylor Van Fleet. "We saw some really great things today, and improvements that we've made over the course of preseason."
In the first half, Canisius controlled possession, creating the better chances on goal. It wasn't until the 37th minute when the Golden Griffins took a 1-0 lead over the Dolphins, capitalizing on a goal by Romane Lanni in the 38th minute, assisted by Emilia Nuttall.
The Dolphins' defense, anchored by junior goalkeeper
Mikayla McPheron (Rome, N.Y./Rome Free Academy), was tested with six shots on goal and made four saves, including a key stop with just over a minute remaining in the half. Le Moyne managed three shots, all of which were saved by Canisius goalkeeper Alexa Turmel.
The Dolphins' second half effort saw increased offensive activity with three shots and three corner kicks, but it failed to break through Canisius' defense. Canisius capitalized on its opportunities, finding the net in the 80th minute to secure a 2-0 lead on another ball over the top. Despite maintaining pressure, Le Moyne was unable to convert its chances, concluding the match with a scoreless second half.
McPheron recorded five saves for Le Moyne, facing 15 shots in the match. Freshman defender
Ellie McMahon (Camillus, N.Y./West Genesee) contributed offensively with two shots, one of which was on goal. Sophomore forward
Kaitlyn Gilhooly (Chicopee, Mass./Chicopee Comprehensive) also made an impact by delivering a shot on goal. Junior forward
Alivia Day (Rochester, N.Y./Rush-Henrietta) matched her teammates' efforts with one shot on goal.
"It's unfortunate when another team capitalizes on our mistakes, especially when we play an evenly matched game; soccer is unforgiving in that way." said Van Fleet. "We learn from it, we grow from it, and we are looking forward to our next opportunity on Sunday against Iona."
Up Next:
The Dolphins will host their first match on Ted Grant Field, as they take on the Iona Gaels this Sunday. Action is scheduled to kick off at 1:00 P.M.
