SWARTHMORE, PA – The Skidmore College women's soccer team pushed No. 13 Swarthmore for the full 90 minutes, but an early second-half goal proved to be the difference in a season-opening 1-0 loss on Friday afternoon.
Facing a nationally ranked opponent on the road, the Thoroughbreds (0-1) rose to the occasion by matching the Garnet (1-0) with eight shots on goal while generating a 5-2 advantage in corner kicks. Defensively, Skidmore's backline consistently came up with momentum-stopping plays to halt Swarthmore chances, while goalkeepers
Sophia Sayers and
Kendall Livingston combined for seven saves to keep the game within reach.
The Garnet ultimately broke through for the lone goal in the 59th minute.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- In just the third minute, Sayers stepped up with a key stop after the Garnet worked their way into the Skidmore box for a point-blank shot attempt.
- Sophomore Bryn Ryan put the Thoroughbreds' first shot on goal in the 16th minute after receiving a well-placed through ball from fellow sophomore Mara Grace in transition down the right side.
- In the 22nd minute, senior Alexandra Verna fired a shot on goal from the left side after Ryan initially intercepted a risky pass from the Swarthmore goalkeeper just outside the box.
- Skidmore's best scoring chance of the half came in the 34th minute when Grace collected a deflection off an initial cross and fired a shot toward the upper-right corner, only to be denied at the last second by a diving effort from the Garnet goalkeeper.
- Skidmore made a goalie change heading out of halftime, with Livingston stepping in for the first 26 minutes of the second half.
- Swarthmore broke through in the 59th minute when a pinpoint through ball allowed Ava Gizzie to get behind the Skidmore backline before firing a shot across goal into the upper-left corner for a 1-0 lead.
- Grace looked for the equalizer in the 78th minute with an attempt from just outside the box, but the shot was handled by the Swarthmore goalkeeper.
- Skidmore continued to push forward in the 87th minute when freshman Avery Bush fired a dangerous shot across goal from the right side that was kept out by the Garnet goalkeeper.
- The Thoroughbreds generated one final opportunity in the closing seconds, earning a corner kick that resulted in a shot on goal from senior Hannah Fetzer that was saved as time expired.
STANDOUT THOROUGHBREDS
- Making her fourth career start at goal, Sayers made six saves and kept the Garnet off the board in her 64 minutes of action.
- Ryan and Grace each led the team with a pair of shots on goal.
UP NEXT
Skidmore will conclude the weekend road trip by taking on Widener tomorrow at 3 PM.
