NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. — The Sacred Heart University women's soccer team battled hard but could not overcome an early first-half deficit, falling to the Merrimack Warriors, 1-0, on Sunday afternoon.
The hosts started the match strong and put the Pioneers on their heels in the opening five minutes. Merrimack's pressure proved too much for the Red & White within the first three minutes as Warrior forward Molly Murnane received a pass from goalkeeper Lily Morgan that eluded the SHU defense. Murnane then sent a low shot past goalkeeper
Elyssa Kipperman into the back of the net to give the hosts the 1-0 lead. The Pios searched for the equalizer throughout the first half but could not put one past the Warrior goalkeeper as SHU headed into the break down, 1-0.
SHU came out of the break looking to push back against Merrimack but could not find the decisive edge in the final third as the best chance for a Pios' equalizer went awry in the matche's final moments. SHU threatened in the final minute of action but could not execute as a foul inside the Merrimack penalty area reduced the Pios to 10 players, negating any last chance for a draw as the match concluded, 1-0.
Top Performers:
Of Note:
- First year forward Shea Kelleher made her first collegiate start after scoring two goals on Thursday against LIU as a substitute.
- Ten players have now appeared in every match this season including four first year players.
- Kipperman's eight saves is the most recorded by any SHU goalkeeper this season in a single match.
Up Next:
The Pios return to play this week with a pair of NEC contests starting with a trip to Central Connecticut State on Thursday, October 5, before hosting Howard for senior day on Sunday, October 8. Kickoff against the Blue Devils is slated for 4 p.m. while Sunday's match against the Bison is set for noon. Live streaming and live statistics will be available at sacredheartpioneers.com.
