HUNTINGDON, Pa. – The Juniata College women's soccer team (6-2-1) dropped a tough match Monday afternoon 1-0 to Westminster College (Pa.) at home on Winton Hill Field. A goal in the final minutes of play pushed the Titans (4-4-2) ahead for the win.
Solid defensive plays on both sides of the pitch had the teams locked up at 0-0 through the break.
Westminster earned its first corner of the match in the 78th minute. An unlucky bounce off a defender at the post set the ball perfectly at Mere Mishler's feet. She chipped it in to give the Titans the 1-0 lead.
With less than 15 seconds remaining junior Rose Lucidi (Bayville, N.Y./Locust Valley) got a look inside the box. The shot went low to the right corner, but Titan goalie Jenn Cantella made a diving stop as time expired. She finished with a game-high seven saves.
"We had our opportunities to score, including the one there as time ran out," said McKenzie. "Rose put herself in the perfect position, had a shot and their goalkeeper made the save. That's all you can ask for from players. We'll go ahead and let the game win today and we'll win next time."
Juniata opens Landmark Conference play on the road against Goucher College this Saturday, Sept. 29 at 1 p.m. The Eagles have outscored the Gophers 7-4 in their last three meetings and lead the recent series 2-1.
