NEW YORK – The Columbia women's soccer team was blanked by conference-rival Brown University, 0-2, in Saturday's Ivy League home opener. With the loss, the Lions move to 5-4-1 on the season and 0-2 in conference play.
"As with any coach in the Ivy League, when you lose it really hits home. We had a lot of great energy and opportunities that unfortunately we missed," reflected head coach
Tracey Bartholomew. "There were good moments for us as a program, but it's hard when you create opportunities that are spot on and don't finish them. We have to continue working. We played well against a really good Brown team, but we need to finish."
Following a quiet first 30 minutes, Brown was able to find the back of the net off the foot of junior forward Ava Seelenfreund. Evelyn Calhoon and Brittany Raphino were credited with the assist as Seelenfreund tucked her fifth goal of the season into the bottom left corner.
Brown secured its insurance goal a half hour later, expanding its lead to 2-0 in the 60
thminute with a strike from Maesyn G'Bye.
Despite owning a slight edge in possession across 90 minutes of play, Columbia was unable to capitalize on its scoring opportunities. The best of these opportunities came in the 48
thminute as
Madi Pilla drew a penalty kick. Pilla's shot was blocked by Brown's senior keeper Kayla Thompson.
Columbia freshman
Sophia Cavaliere led the Lions' offense with three shots, placing two on goal. Pilla also recorded three shots, one of which was on goal.
On the back line the Lions held the Bears to 11 total shots, four less than their season average, and refused to allow reigning Ivy League Player of the Week Brittany Raphino a shot.
Between the pipes, Columbia's
Paige Nurkin made five saves.
"Brown has scored in every game, but one, so we knew they would be lethal. Our back line did a really good job in limiting their chances," noted Bartholomew.
Columbia will return to Rocco B. Commisso Stadium next Saturday (Oct. 9) for a 3:00 P.M. kickoff versus Penn.
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