Box Score KUTZTOWN, Pa. – After two lengthy weather delays in the first half, the Kutztown University women's soccer team conceded two goals to visiting West Chester University in the second half of a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) rivalry matchup on Saturday afternoon to give the Golden Bears a 2-0 loss at Keystone Field.
Although frequently interrupted, Kutztown (1-1, 1-1 PSAC) held slight control in the first half, outshooting West Chester (2-0, 1-0 PSAC) 6-4 and earning five scoring opportunities off of corner kicks. The Maroon and Gold's best chance came in the 26th minute when
Rubi Mink (West Milford, N.J./West Milford) scooped up a loose ball dropped by the WCU keeper and rocked one of the post. The rebound bounced back out to
Logan Kramer (Millersville, Pa./Penn Manor (Arkansas State)), but the junior couldn't find the back of the net.
After playing strong defense the entire game, the KU back line broke down in the 61st minute. Looking for an offside call from the linesman, communication went haywire on the Kutztown defense as Cara Deola, Sara Wulk, and Laura Slavich one-touch passed their way into the box, giving Slavich an uncontested look on the KU goal just inside the 18-yard box. Golden Bear keeper
Deanna Messner (Willow Grove, Pa./Archbishop Wood) held little chance as Slavich hit the back of the net to go up 1-0.
The squads went back and forth until the Golden Rams netted an insurance goal in 82nd minute. Lexi Lentz lined up to take a corner kick for WCU, then snuck a short pass in to Kaitlyn McNamara surging from the back line. McNamara received the ball near the sideline, and launched a 35-yard floater over the unexpected crowd that found the back of the net.
After getting off nine shots in the second half, KU finished the game with a 15-8 shot advantage. Messner recorded two saves in net for the Golden Bears, while WCU keeper Alex Srolis tallied three saves in the win.
Mariah Dimm (Lancaster, Pa./Hempfield),
Sam Costello (Westfield, N.J./Westfield) and
Savannah Widdicombe (Sanatoga, Pa./Pope John Paul II) each recorded a shot-on-goal for Kutztown.
The Golden Bears will play one more home game before embarking on a three-game road trip. Kutztown takes on Millversville University this Wednesday, Sept. 10 in PSAC action. The game is scheduled to start at 3 p.m. from Keystone Field.
