Marywood, Pa. – The SUNY Poly women's soccer team dropped a 4-0 decision to Marywood University on Saturday afternoon. The Wildcats battled throughout the match, but the Pacers scored once in the first half before adding three goals after halftime to secure the victory. Rylee Unebasami and Skylar Blackwell combined for several saves in goal for SUNY Poly, while Madison Case, Lily Arduini and Yetneliz Lugo Mateo each recorded shots for the Wildcats.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
Marywood created several scoring opportunities early, but Unebasami came up with multiple saves to keep the match scoreless through the opening 30 minutes. She denied shots from Morgan Fitzpatrick, Kylie McDonald and Madison Dias while the Wildcats worked to withstand the Pacers' offensive pressure.
SUNY Poly's Madison Case recorded the Wildcats' first shot of the afternoon in the ninth minute, forcing Marywood goalkeeper Addie Galea to make a save. Marywood continued to generate chances, with Maura Kirkpatrick hitting the top woodwork and several other shots missing the frame.
Marywood broke through in the 34th minute when Riley Bittenbender found the back of the net at 33:26 off an assist from Samantha Dias to give the Pacers a 1-0 lead. The Wildcats continued to battle defensively, with Unebasami making another save on Bryn Stiles in the 42nd minute, but Marywood carried its one-goal advantage into halftime.
The Pacers added to their lead early in the second half when Madison Dias scored at 55:21 off an assist from Maura Kirkpatrick to make it 2-0. Unebasami responded with another save shortly afterward, denying Bittenbender in the 56th minute.
Marywood extended its advantage again in the 61st minute when Kirkpatrick scored to put the Pacers ahead 3-0. SUNY Poly goalkeeper Skylar Blackwell entered shortly afterward and made a series of saves to keep the Wildcats within reach, including a stop on Julia Coblentz in the 73rd minute.
Blackwell continued to battle in goal throughout the final 20 minutes, making additional saves on Elena De Los Santos and Stiles. Marywood continued to apply pressure, including a shot from Stiles that hit the top woodwork in the 77th minute.
Marywood added a fourth goal in the 86th minute when Mia Menzzasalma found the back of the net at 85:31. Blackwell continued to make saves in the closing minutes, denying Stiles, Katie Baker and Cassidy Chastain, but the Pacers held on for the 4-0 victory.
UP NEXT:
The Wildcats return to action on Wednesday, September 16, when they travel to SUNY Cobleskill. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 p.m.
