WEST CHESTER, Pa. – The 11th-ranked Kutztown University women's soccer team was unable to find the back of the net for just the second time in nine games this season as it fell to 12th-ranked West Chester University 1-0 in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) action Wednesday afternoon at Rockwell Field on the campus of West Chester.
 
Both teams entered the game ranked inside the top-15 in Division II, and both showed why in a close game.
 
The Golden Bears (7-2 overall, 5-2 PSAC), who had only given up two goals all season and never trailed during regulation, were forced to play from behind when the Golden Rams (6-1-1, 5-1-1) sent in a rebounded shot after the ball hit off the KU crossbar in the 21st minute.
 
Rockwell Field has been an unkind place to Kutztown of late. KU lost consecutive postseason games there last season, a PSAC semifinal and Atlantic Region First Round game, while being held to one goal in those two games.
 
Kutztown was outshot by the defending Atlantic Region champs 7-3 in the first half, but found more chances in the latter 45 minutes when it held a 6-2 shots advantage. The teams were even in corner kicks at five apiece.
 
Junior goalie Jenna Bracken (Wanaque, N.J./Lakeland Regional), who entered the game first in the PSAC in save percentage, finished with five saves. She now has a .935 save percentage, ranking third in the conference.
 
Junior forward Emily Zwiercan (Reinholds, Pa./Cocalico) and senior midfielder Alyssa Ryan (North Wales, Pa./Wissahickon) led KU with two shots on goal, followed by one from junior forward Schyler Ackerman (Mountville, Pa./Hempfield).
 
Kutztown remains on the road for its next game at Mercyhurst University on Saturday, Sept. 29 at 1:30 p.m.