Syracuse, N.Y. – The Le Moyne College women's soccer team were defeated in their home match against Niagara on Thursday.
"We are still seeing very good progress from game to game," said head coach
Taylor Van Fleet.
Le Moyne (0-3-0)
Starters: McPheron (GK), Brown, Gilhooly, McMahon, Cookinham, Lathrop, Vigliotti, Devito, Gillen, Cutuli, Eggertsdottir
Niagara (1-1-0)
Starters: Poissant (GK), Davies, Trinder, Posthumus, Barbeau, Colling, Parker, Peet, Lucas, Gratton, Schmidt
Recap:
The match between Le Moyne and Niagara began with both teams striving for an early advantage. Niagara applied offensive pressure early, but junior goalkeeper
Mikayla McPheron (Rome, N.Y./Rome Free Academy) made crucial saves, denying shots from Izzy Schmidt in the 6
th minute and Sarah Lucas in the 9
th minute.
The Purple Eagles goalkeeper Julia Poissant matched McPheron's efforts, saving a shot by sophomore midfielder
Ella Lathrop (Walworth, N.Y./Ruben A. Cirillo) in the 9
th minute and another by junior forward
Nicole Calle (Providence, R.I./Cumberland) in the 27
th minute. Despite several attempts on goal, neither side were able to find the back of the net as they went into the break with the score knotted at 0-0.
Niagara scored two goals in the second period with two goals from Caitlyn Gratton, both assisted by Naiya Johnston. Gratton's first goal came in the 79
th minute off an assist from Naiya Johnston, followed by a second strike just two minutes later in the 81
st minute off, coming off an assist from Johnston. Le Moyne's defense, anchored by McPheron, faced pressure throughout the half, with McPheron making multiple saves against shots from Soraya Ross and Schmidt.
"We will continue to trust the process and trust ourselves," said Van Fleet. "We'll go back to work for the results to come, and they will."
'Phin Highlights:
McPheron recorded a season-high 11 saves during throughout the game, effectively guarding the net despite facing 20 shots. Calle contributed offensively with one shot on goal, maintaining pressure on the opposing defense.
Ellie McMahon also took an active role with one shot on target, supporting the team's attacking efforts. Lathrop added to the offense with a shot on goal, further testing the opposition's goalkeeper.
What's Next:
Looking ahead, Le Moyne will face Binghamton University on Sunday, Aug. 23. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 P.M. at Ted Grant Field.
