SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – An early goal was too much for the Skidmore College women's soccer team, as they fell to No. 5 William Smith 1-0, in the Liberty League opener at Wachenheim Field Saturday afternoon.
 
Skidmore falls to 3-3 overall, while William Smith, ranked fifth in the latest United Soccer Coaches national poll, wins its 40^th consecutive Liberty League contest.
 
The lone goal of the game came in the 11^th minute. On the William Smith attack, Julia Keogh came up the right side of the penalty box, taking a shot that Skidmore freshman goalie Ava Keller just tipped away. The ball rolled back to Keogh, who chipped a shot over Keller in the corner of the net.
 
The Herons controlled possession for most of the game, but were unable to get a second goal, thanks to a solid effort by the Skidmore defense. On the other end, Skidmore had a few chances to knot things up. Its best chance came in the 62^nd minute, when an Emma Basso shot from outside the box was tipped away from William Smith goalie Amanda Kesler. Freshman Carly Craft was close enough to get a chance at goal on the rebound, but Kesler corralled the ball before Craft was able to get a shot off.
 
Skidmore was outshot by the Herons by a 12-5 score, but earned a 4-3 edge in corner kicks. Keller was solid in net despite the result, making three saves in a full 90 minutes of action.
 
Skidmore continues league play on Tuesday, when Clarkson comes to town in a 4 p.m. start.