The New York University women's soccer team fell 2-1 against #5 Messiah University on Saturday, September 12, in Grantham, PA.
"It was a great test for us against one of the perennial powerhouses in Division III women's soccer," said Head Coach Scott Waddell. "Messiah is an excellent team, and I thought we gave them a real challenge on their home field."
Sydney Freese recorded the first attempt for the Violets with a shot in the 16th minute that was saved.
A few minutes later, Brooke Stealey added another shot for NYU, but it went high over the goal.
In the 32nd minute, Messiah sent a ball curling low into the goal to put them up 1-0.
The Violets equalized in the 74th minute when Sari Frankl stepped up to the spot to take a penalty. Ellie Ockrin, in goal for the Eagles, deflected the ball away on the penalty shot , but Frankl found the rebound and sent it into the back of the net.
With 10 minutes left to go, Messiah retook the lead and held the advantage for the remainder of the match.
Tusca Mahmoudpour and Freese each recorded shot attempts late in the match for the Violets, but could not convert.
NYU out-shot Messiah 8-6, but fell when it came to shots on-goal, 5-3.
Freese and Frankl each had two shots, with both of Frankls' being on-goal. Mahmoudpour and Amelia Deters both followed with one shot each.
Maddy Tohanczyn made three saves in between the posts.
"I'm incredibly proud of the performance and the way our players competed," added Waddell. "We'll learn and grow from a game like this, and at this stage of the season, that's exactly what it's about."
The Violets will hit the road again next Saturday, September 19, to take on Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, NY. The match is set to kickoff at 11 a.m.
