BALTIMORE – The UMBC women's soccer season came to an end with a 1-0 loss to NJIT on Thursday evening at Retriever Soccer Park. The Retrievers finished the season with a record of 6-8-4 (2-5-1 in America East), marking their highest number of wins since 2016.
 
In need of a victory to qualify for the America East Conference Tournament, the Retrievers were dominant for much of the match but were unable to get on the board.
 
NJIT (7-5-6, 2-3-3) became the aggressors in the latter part of the second half and managed to break through with just 3:37 remaining after a UMBC goal kick.
 
The Highlanders, who had previously hit the post with 4:50 left on the clock, intercepted a pass at the 30-yard line following a UMBC goal kick. Kelsey Ramos then sent a through ball into the box for Mikayla Balio, who outran a UMBC defender to reach the ball and scored the game-winning goal, placing a low shot just inside the far post past UMBC graduate goalie Kalli Williams, who made three saves during the game.
 
UMBC's best opportunity came with just under 33 minutes remaining. After a service into the box, junior forward Payton Schenning located redshirt freshman Zoe Brossman at the top of the box. Brossman fired a shot that was deflected by a defender and narrowly missed the target.
 
The Retrievers held a 14-8 advantage in shots overall, including 7-4 in shots on goal. They also attempted six corner kicks compared to just two for the Highlanders.