Utica, N.Y. – The SUNY Poly women's soccer team dropped a 2-0 decision to Bard College on Thursday afternoon. The Wildcats battled throughout the match, but the Raptors scored once in each half to secure the victory. Skylar Blackwell made several key saves in goal for SUNY Poly, while Kara Mertz and Yetneliz Lugo Mateo each recorded scoring chances for the Wildcats.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
Bard created several scoring opportunities early, but Blackwell came up with a key save in the 14th minute to keep the match scoreless. The Wildcats continued to battle defensively as the Raptors generated additional chances throughout the opening 30 minutes.
Bard broke through in the 30th minute when Mahlia Slaiby found the back of the net at 29:49 to give the Raptors a 1-0 lead. SUNY Poly looked to respond, with Brooke Arduini recording a shot in the 33rd minute, but Bard carried its one-goal advantage into halftime.
The Wildcats faced an early challenge in the second half when Bard was awarded a penalty kick. Natalie Wing converted the opportunity at 48:34 to extend the Raptors' lead to 2-0.
SUNY Poly continued to look for an offensive breakthrough, with Mertz testing Bard goalkeeper Julianna LaFond in the 55th minute. LaFond made the save to preserve Bard's two-goal advantage, while Lugo Mateo added another scoring chance shortly afterward.
Bard continued to generate pressure throughout the second half, but Blackwell kept the Wildcats within striking distance with several saves. She denied shots from Wing, Julia Skoufalos and Alexandria Loner during the half.
The Wildcats continued to battle defensively and looked to create opportunities of their own, but Bard's defense held strong through the final minutes. The Raptors held on for the 2-0 victory.
UP NEXT:
The Wildcats return to action on Saturday, September 12, when they travel to Marywood University. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.
