Bradford, Pa. -- The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Women's soccer team battled back from a two-goal halftime deficit, but eventually succumbed to a persistent Lycoming attack, and lost the game 6-2.
The Panthers were able to keep the Warriors off the board for the opening 25 minutes by controlling a large amount of the early possession. Lycoming took advantage of the Panthers' inability to clear a corner kick in the 26th, hopping on a loose ball in the 18-yard box and blasting a shot off a Pitt-Bradford defender and into the goal. They added another in the 41st minute, once again pouncing on an opportunity after a mishandled free-kick to bundle home the second. Emily Bethel made 8 saves to keep the Panthers within touching distance in the first half.
After the break, the Panthers responded, scoring two goals within the first 10 minutes to tie the game at two. Alexis Gibbons started the scoring in the 49th minute. Natalya Ryckman played a pass to Gibbons that allowed the striker to take one touch and get behind the defense. After dribbling 30 yards towards goal, Gibbons attack looked to be over as the Lycoming goalkeeper rushed towards the ball in the box, but a mishandled save attempt allowed Gibbons to poke home the Panther opening into the open net. Pitt-Bradford tied the game just over 5 minutes later. Following a throw-in, Jada Luther was able to play a long cross that found Cassidy King on the back post, unguarded. King took one touch to get a shot past the oncoming goalkeeper, which slowly rolled into the goal, beating the Warrior defenders retreating for a goal-line clearance.
Bethel made two more saves to keep the game tied, but the relentless Lycoming attack was able to find space behind the Panthers' defense throughout the rest of the match. Bethel was able to make 9 saves in the half and saw many shots miss the target, but the visitors were able to find the net 4 times to secure the victory.
Bethel finished with 17 saves on the day, setting a new career-high. While they do not count as saves, Bethel also made a number of important plays, rushing out to collect the ball ahead of the Warrior attack. Gibbons and King each scored their second goals of the season in the contest. They also both took two shots, putting them both on target. Jada Luther took the team lead in assists with her second of the season. Carolelyn LaPrairie also put a shot on goal, and Emily Royea and Kihara Gotshall took shots that were off target.
The Panthers (0-9-1, 0-2 AMCC) will return to conference action this weekend. They will host LaRoche University at the Kessel Athletic Complex on Saturday. The game is scheduled to kick off at 1:00 p.m.