Bradford, Pa. -- The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford women's soccer team was unable to answer a second goal from Hilbert on Tuesday afternoon, falling to the Hawks 2-1.
The teams split early possession however the visitors were the only team able to put an early effort on goal, forcing Emily Bethel into two early saves. The Panthers were able to venture forward and find enough room for shots towards goal but were unable to find the target. Hilbert was able to break the deadlock in the 38th minute. They were able to turn the Panthers over in their own half and quickly took advantage, sliding a pass behind the Panther defense for a breakaway goal. The advantage would not last long, as the Panthers took only 5 minutes to strike back. Jada Luther whipped a cross into the box where it was collected by the Hilbert keeper, after a collision with a defender, Emily Goetz jumped on the loose ball and put a one-time shot into the net to tie the game at one.
After the break, the visitors were able to find a second goal within 8 minutes. in the 53rd, Hilbert was able to get behind the Panther defense using a ball chipped over the line. The Hilbert attacker was able to beat an onrushing Emily Bethel to the ball and calmly slide a one-touch finish into the open net to take a 2-1 advantage. The hawks did not rest on their lead, as they continued to attack the Panther goal, however, Bethel made four big saves throughout the half to keep the Panthers within one. Pitt-Bradford was able to get three shots on target in the last ten minutes but saw all of them stopped by the goalkeeper.
Emily Goetz led the Panthers with 7 shots in the game, putting 2 of them on target, including the Panthers' lone goal. Kihara Gotshall took put two shots on goal and Kimberly Goodwin added one as well. Emily Bethel made 7 saves in the loss.
The Panthers (0-12-1, 0-5 AMCC) will now prepare to host Penn State Altoona on Saturday for their next game. The Panthers will celebrate senior day prior to kick-off, as seniors Emily Bethel, Gianna Granito, Katie Anderton, Emily Royea and Cassidy Fenner will all be recognized. The game is scheduled to begin after the ceremony, at approximately 1:00 p.m.
