BALTIMORE – Freshman midfielder Zoe Brossman's first-half goal provided the UMBC women's soccer team with a dominant 1-0 victory against the Mercyhurst Lakers on Sunday morning at steamy Retriever Soccer Park.

The Retrievers (1-0-1) held Mercyhurst (0-1-1) to just three shots for the entire 90 minutes as the Dawgs held most of the possession. UMBC registered nine corner kicks compared to just one chance for the Lakers.

UMBC capitalized just 12 minutes into the contest on Brossman's first career goal.  Freshman defender Olivia Nardone initiated the play as she sent a terrific lead pass for sophomore defender Gabby Larson in the right corner. Larson took a dribble and delivered a great cross to the center of the box. Brossman was in a great position and was then able to beat Lakers' keeper Adri Lika with a low shot into the left corner.

The Retrievers nearly added an insurance marker midway through the second half after sophomore forward Kristiana Kolega sent a nice cross into the box.  But junior midfielder Emily Hiney's header sailed just over the crossbar.

Mercyhurst, which downed UMBC 3-0 last season, had two great scoring chances in the contest. The first came with 10:10 left in the opening half as senior midfielder Mia Maruna struck a shot that rimmed over the crossbar from a tough angle.  

The visitors had one last chance with 3:40 left in the contest. Graduate student goalie Kalli Williams (one save) came off her line to thwart junior midfielder Caterina Cappiello after receiving a cross into the box.

Senior goalie Sara Gavagan played the first 45 minutes and earned the victory without having to make a save.

UMBC will travel to Maryland on Thursday at 7:00 p.m.