A ferocious comeback attempt ended up fruitless as the Shippensburg University women’s soccer team fell to East Stroudsburg University 2-1 on Tuesday night at David See Field.
The Raiders, coming off a 5-1 victory against Mansfield University last Wednesday, were looking to build off of that crucial win — but had a difficult time sustaining any pressure in ESU territory throughout the match.
After a scoreless first half, SU relied heavily on forward Katie Leverentz to establish an up-tempo pace. However, miscues on the defensive side of the ball hindered drove SU into a 2-0 hole.
It was a deficit that SU could not overcome.
The first ESU goal came 10 minutes into the second half when ESU’s Bridget Connell became the beneficiary of a Marissa Spitler cannon that was deflected off SU goalie Shelbie Rackley.
After another 10 minutes, ESU’s Courtney Keller capitalized on an SU turnover deep in its territory to make the score 2-0 ESU.
The Raiders mounted a comeback late in the game but a goal off a penalty-kick from Rachel Hess in the 78th minute was not enough as SU ultimately fell 2-1.
Rackley finished the game with eight saves and has remained a bright spot for SU this season.
The Raiders were outshot in the match, 17-14, but had plenty of chances throughout. A header from Casey Armold in the 54th minute could have netted a one-goal lead for SU, but a leaping header by an ESU defender kept the ball out of the net.
With the loss, SU remains in ninth place in the PSAC and one spot out of the final playoff spot.
The Raiders travel to Bloomsburg University this Saturday to take on the Huskies at 4:30 p.m. The Huskies are currently in 12th place, but a victory against SU would vault them up the standings.
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