Box Score SMITHFIELD, R.I.— The Sacred Heart women's soccer team was unable to escape an early deficit, falling to Bryant 2-1 on Friday afternoon. The Pioneers (5-10, 2-3 NEC) were unable to hand the Bulldogs (9-2-2, 3-1 NEC) their first loss at home this season as Bryant improves to 5-0-2 at Bulldog Soccer Field.
Bryant opened the scoring in the 33rd minute as Katie Cronin finished off the cross from Cayla D'Amico in the 33rd minute. SHU nearly netted the equalizer in the waining seconds of the first half as Caitlin Buckley sent the free kick into the box. Senior Kim McNally was there for the header but was denied by Bulldogs keeper Rachel Brightman.
With just four remaining games in the regular season both teams continued to fight in the second half. The Bulldogs would catch a break in the 69th minute as D'Amico was able to collect the rebound off Small's header that shanked off the post. With the end of regulation nearing SHU sent the free kick into the box and after a blocked shot junior Melanie DaSilva was there to collect the loose ball and fired home her fourth goal of the season. SHU was unable to get another scoring chance to even things up.
Sacred Heart outshot Bryant 11-10, with both teams firing four shots on goal each. Nicole Sambuco recorded two saves for the Pioneers, Brightman recorded three saves in the opening period. DaSilva was the leading Pioneer with three shots, including two on goal.
The Pioneers host LIU Brooklyn on Sunday, October 15 at 12:00 p.m. SHU will hold a senior day ceremony for its two seniors, Kathryn Crescenzo & Kim McNally prior to the game.
First Half
- Pioneers looked to get on the board early as Gibbons sent a cross to DaSilva but Brightman was there for the save at 6:48.
- SHU had a scoring chance off the free kick to close regulation but Brightman denied the header by McNally with the diving stop.
Second Half
- The Pioneers drew two corner kicks in the 54th & 55th minute but were unable to find the net.
- DaSilva's fourth goal of the season set a new single-season high with four. She now has nine goals in her career.
