Staten Island, NY - Two second-half goals by UMBC, scored nearly six minutes apart, proved to be the difference makers as the Wagner women's soccer team was defeated by the Retrievers, 2-0, on Thursday evening at Hameline Field.
The Seahawks went on the attack early in the contest, as junior forward
Madison Carr was able to put a left-footed strike on the ball but pushed it just high of the goal in the 6' minute of play.
Following a pair of offside calls against the Green & White, Wagner continued to push the ball as in the 14' minute, sophomore
Kayla Barbosa was able to find some space, but her shot attempt was corralled by UMBC's Abbey Cowles for the save.
The visitors would find several chances early in the match, as Meghan McKye booted a shot on net that was denied by junior keeper,
Erin Kelly, which kept the score knotted at 0-0.
Wagner junior forward,
Isabella Manzella, making her first start of the season, nearly put the home team in front as
Gabby Cipriano crossed the ball into the box with Manzella narrowly timing the header chance, but sent it right of the target.
The visitors had one final chance before the half as Caroline Koutsos challenged Kelly, who was up to the task and able to keep the Retrievers off the board. The junior finished the night with eight saves.
Both teams played an evenly match opening 45 minutes, with UMBC holding a slim 7-5 edge on shot attempts (4-2 on target) while both teams had two corners apiece.
The two programs struggled to find their rhythm in the opening moments of the second half before UMBC was able to convert on their first scoring chance of the frame. Juliana Rafaniello received the thru pass from Esther Juretzka and was able to send one past Kelly as they went ahead, 1-0.
UMBC struck again nearly six minutes later as Koutsos was able to intercept the pass and get past Barbosa, who was defending her stride-for-stride before Koutsos pouched one on target to extend the visitors lead.
Northeast Conference (NEC) opens for the Seahawks on Sunday, September 19 as Wagner welcomes Sacred Heart to Hameline Field. Kickoff is set for 1PM.
