Albany, NY – Junior forward Grace Dunbar scored just 2:04 into the second half, leading the UMBC women's soccer team to a 1-0 victory over the UAlbany Great Danes in an America East Conference matchup on Thursday evening at Bob Ford Field at Tom & Mary Casey Stadium.

"I'm really proud of the group tonight," head coach Rick Stainton stated. "Coming off a tough stretch, the way we responded says a lot about our character, commitment, and work ethic. We controlled large portions of the game, especially when we had possession. When we went forward, we created dangerous chances. It wasn't easy on the road, but the team showed grit, discipline, and belief. This was the kind of performance we needed to get back on track and pursue our goals."

Dunbar's goal, her second game-winning tally of the season, was a result of her stealing the ball at the 15-yard line immediately after a goal kick. She charged into the right side of the box and sent a powerful shot past UAlbany goalie Claudia Valino, who couldn't react in time as the ball sailed over her left shoulder and into the back of the net from seven-yards out.

UMBC (5-5-3, 1-2 AE) managed to maintain their lead, with most of the action in the second half occurring on the Great Danes' side of the field. The Retrievers outshot UAlbany 19-15, including an 8-5 advantage in shots on goal, and created several excellent scoring opportunities in the first half but were unlucky to convert.

Freshman forward Zoe Brossman and junior forward Payton Schenning (game-high six shots) both had promising chances within the opening ten minutes but failed to find the target.

The hosts narrowly escaped danger from two gorgeous corner kicks taken by Schenning in the 19th minute. Valino (seven saves) made a fingertip save against a header by freshman midfielder Delainey Proctor on the first corner. Moments later, senior midfielder Delainey Varela-Keen headed the ball toward the left corner of the goal, but a defender managed to clear it off the line.

Sophomore defender Gabby Larson (four shots) came close with a volley from five yards out in the 41st minute, and senior midfielder Maddie Schepers also missed after a great cross from Brossman just thirty seconds later.

Graduate student goalie Kalli Williams made five crucial saves for UMBC.

The Retrievers attempted 11 shots from the corner compared to just five by the Great Danes, who fell to 2-7-2 (1-2 AE).

UMBC will host Vermont on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. at Retriever Soccer Park. The first 300 fans in attendance will receive a free t-shirt as part of Pink Day.