Putting the ball into the back of the net has been the Elizabethtown College women’s soccer team’s biggest challenge during the early part of the 2016 season. Despite a six-goal victory over Rosemont College on Sept. 8, the Blue Jays have scored just one goal in their other five games. With Saturday’s 1-0 loss to their old Middle Atlantic Conference rival Lebanon Valley College (LVC), Etown has been shut out in three consecutive games.
In the first half, the Dutchmen and Blue Jays battled in the middle part of the field for possession. Both teams registered just six shots total while both teams’ starting goalkeepers were forced to make just one save in the first 45 minutes.
In the second half, sophomore Katrina Morales played a ball down the right side to fellow sophomore Shannon Conlon, who dribbled into the box and put a shot on frame. Conlon’s scoring chance was denied by LVC’s Taylor Reinhold to keep the game knotted at zero.
Moments later, LVC took advantage of their scoring opportunity as Sammy Bost scored her sixth goal of the season to put the visitors up 1-0. Junior Maria Boretti had a scoring opportunity of her own in the 60th minute to tie the game at one, but her shot was saved by Reinhold. Reinhold made four saves for the Dutchmen. Junior Hailey Parks, Etown’s starting goalie, made four saves as well.
Last night’s matchup against Misericordia University had a different feel than in years past. Misericordia entered with a 5-1 record overall, while the Blue Jays were stumbling into the game, having won just once in their first six contests.
The Cougars came out firing on all cylinders against the Blue Jays. Misericordia recorded 23 shots against Parks and Etown’s defense during the first half alone. Five of those shots found the back of the net during the first 45 minutes of action.
Misericordia’s Ashley Edgell scored the first two goals for the Cougars in the 17th and 29th minute. Amber Hartranft made it 3-0 in the 31st minute, and two more in the 42nd and 43rd minutes by Hannah larkin and Edgell, respectively.
Etown managed two shots in the second half but could not score. It is the fourth game in a row the Blue Jays have failed to score.
The Blue Jays will turn their attention to Landmark Conference play Saturday afternoon as they host Drew University at Ira R. Herr Field. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
