Smithfield, RI – The UMBC women's soccer team dropped their fourth straight decision, falling to the host Bryant Bulldogs by a 2-0 count on Thursday evening at chilly Beirne Stadium.
The Bulldogs scored set-piece goals in each half to earn their first-ever win against the Retrievers.
Bryant scored the only goal they would need in the 5th minute when Whitney Valliant capitalized on a corner kick off the foot of Madison Luke. Valliant sent a header from the seven-yard line toward the upper left post that UMBC senior goalkeeper
Abbey Cowles could not corral. The ball slipped through Cowles' hands and snuck into the back of the net. A Retriever defender was hugging the far post and may have inadvertently bothered Cowles on the play.
The Retrievers (5-9-1, 1-4-1 AE) had several scoring opportunities in the opening half but could not get the equalizer past Bryant goalie Selena Negron. Sophomore
Payton Schenning was denied from five yards out after a rebound, and the midfielder had another great chance on a header, which Negron made a diving save on.
The Bulldogs (5-6-2, 3-2 AE) scored an insurance marker with 13:17 left in the contest as Catherine Bean beat UMBC reserve keeper
Sara Gavagan with a free kick to the upper right corner from just outside the left side of the box.
Lauren Reid just misfired on a header in the 81st minute, and
Bella Roppolo hit the post with 1:40 left.
UMBC had a 25-19 advantage in shots and attempted nine of the 12 corner kicks in the match.
Cowles recorded her 150th career save in the opening half.
The Retrievers host Princeton on Tuesday evening.
