Bears Best Garnet Women 1-0
COLLEGEVILLE, Pa. - Despite placing 14 shots on goal and controlling the play for much of the game, the Swarthmore College women's soccer team (7-5-2, 5-2) found itself on the wrong end of the scoreboard, as a goal from Ursinus' Monica Oliveto in the 42nd minute on a long free kick proved to be the difference as the Garnet was defeated by the Bears 1-0 on Wednesday afternoon.
The loss snaps the Garnet's season-high five-game winning streak.
Passanante finished with a team-high seven shots.
In a game played under cold, hazing weather conditions, the Garnet owned an advantage in nearly every statistical category except for the final score in the crucial battle for Centennial Conference playoff position.
Swarthmore wasted no time peppering Ursinus goalkeeper Kara DiJoseph - who finished the game with an impressive 14 saves - as freshman Aly Passanante placed two shots on the goal in the opening five minutes of play. Passanante finished the game with a team-high seven shots.
From there, Swarthmore continued to pressure the Bears' defense, only to come up just short. Freshman Megan Brock placed two shots on goal within the 35th minute only to be stopped once again by DiJoseph.
Then in the 42nd minute with the seconds ticking away in the half, Ursinus struck from long range. Following a Swarthmore foul, Ursinus' Oliveto booted a free kick from nearly 45-yards out over the head of goalkeeper Marie Mutryn and into the net to give the Bears the 1-0 lead right before the half.
In the second half, Swarthmore continued to ramp up the offense, only to be denied by DiJoseph, who made nine saves in the second half alone - including four over a three minute span ending in the 67th minute. The Garnet's final chance to even the score came in the 86th minute when Passanante's shot sailed just wide of the goal.
In net for the Garnet, Mutryn and freshman Kaitlyn Sipiora each made one save in 45 minutes of action.
Swarthmore, which remains in a fierce battle for Centennial Conference playoff positioning, will look to solidify its postseason hopes when it hosts Gettysburg for Senior Day and Garnet Homecoming. Action is slated to begin at 4:30 and can be viewed via the Garnet Sports Network.