Bringing its record to 6-5, the women's soccer team was defeated Friday by the Long Island University Blackbirds. Losing the game 1-0 on home turf, the team outshot its opponent 20-9 but remained scoreless when it was unable to connect with the net - the second straight game in which this has happened to the Eagles.
The team had seven attempted shots in the first period and 13 in the second. It wasn't until five seconds into the second half that the Eagles were able to gain hold of their first corner.
The corner came about when an LIU defender blocked sophomore midfielder Kelsey Brasher's shot. However, the Eagles could not keep up with their opponents, who soon earned their fifth corner, leading to a goal and ultimately, a loss for the Eagles. AU has been scoreless in their past three games and is currently on a three-game losing streak.
Junior forward Krystn Hodge led the team, making five of the 20 attempted shots. This comes as no surprise, as Hodge was recently named the Patriot League women's soccer Offensive Player of the Week.
Along with Hodge, freshmen Friederike Engel and Brooke Sheppard had three shots each. However, LIU goalkeeper Felicia Amaral put up a virtually indestructible wall, blocking the attempted shots on goal and making 11 saves throughout the game.
AU had their chance to tie the game in the second half when Hodge read her opponent's play perfectly. LIU was trying to run the clock and attempt to get the rolling ball in the hands of their goalie. Forward Hodge gained hold of the ball for AU and shot on goal just wide of the frame.
American will face Colgate on Saturday for their 2007 Patriot League opener in Hamilton, N.Y.
