PITTSFORD, NY – The Utica University women's soccer team fell to St. John Fisher University 2-1 on Wednesday evening in Empire 8 Conference action at Growney Stadium. Despite a strong second-half offensive effort that saw the Pioneers outshoot the Cardinals 14-6 over the final 45 minutes, Utica was unable to overcome an early second-half goal.
Cora Kraft (Poughquag, NY/Arlington) accounted for Utica's lone goal, finding the back of the net in the 36th minute to even the score at one apiece. Bailey Hewson (Plattsburgh, NY/Plattsburgh) led the Pioneers offensively with five shots, including two on goal, while Adrianna Calabria (Cicero, NY/Cicero-North Syracuse) and Ayla Flockton (Plymouth, MA/Plymouth North) each registered three attempts. Flockton placed two of her three shots on target, while Abigail Jalocha (Maspeth, NY/Monsignior McClancy Memorial) also contributed three attempts. In goal, Emily Duro (Wappinger Falls, NY/Roy C. Ketcham) recorded seven saves across 90 minutes of action. Both teams finished the contest with 18 shots, although Utica held a commanding 14-6 advantage in the second half. The Pioneers placed eight shots on goal compared to Fisher's 10, while the Cardinals held an 8-1 edge in corner kicks.
St. John Fisher opened the contest on the offensive, generating several early scoring opportunities. The Cardinals threatened in the fourth minute with a shot toward goal, but the Pioneer defense held strong to keep the game scoreless. Duro followed with saves in the ninth and 15th minutes to turn away additional Fisher opportunities. The Pioneers registered their first shot of the evening in the 20th minute when Jalocha sent an attempt high. However, the Cardinals broke through in the 26th minute, taking a 1-0 advantage following an own goal. Fisher continued to apply pressure following the opening score, producing several chances over the next 10 minutes. Duro made consecutive saves in the 34th minute to keep the Pioneers within striking distance.
Utica responded in the 36th minute when Kraft found the back of the net for her second goal of the season, on a free kick from 35 yards out, bringing the contest level at 1-1. The Pioneers continued looking for opportunities before the break, with Mykah Collier-Fisher (Lake George, NY/Lake George) putting a shot on goal in the 40th minute that was stopped by the Fisher goalkeeper.
The two sides entered halftime tied at one, despite the Cardinals holding a 12-4 advantage in shots through the opening 45 minutes.
Utica came out of the break looking to build on its first-half momentum, generating two of the first three shots of the second period. Calabria sent an attempt high in the 49th minute before Jalocha followed with a shot wide in the 51st.
The Cardinals regained the lead in the 53rd minute when Emily Woolingham scored to put Fisher ahead 2-1.
Trailing by one, the Pioneers began to increase their offensive pressure. Calabria tested Ayers in the 59th minute, while Krista Panko (Ilion, NY/Central Valley Academy) sent an attempt high in the 68th. Flockton followed with a shot on goal in the 72nd minute, forcing another save from the Fisher goalkeeper. Utica continued to create scoring opportunities as the clock wound down. Hewson placed a shot on target in the 77th minute, followed by another attempt from Panko in the 79th. Both were turned away by Ayers, preserving the Cardinals' one-goal advantage.
The Pioneers made a final push over the closing 10 minutes, generating seven shots during that stretch. Hewson led the late charge with four attempts, including a shot on goal in the 85th minute. Utica then registered three consecutive blocked attempts between the 87th and 88th minutes, keeping pressure on the Fisher defense.
Flockton delivered Utica's final opportunity with just 44 seconds remaining, putting a shot on target that was saved by Ayers. The Cardinals held on through the final whistle to secure the 2-1 victory.
The Pioneers move to 4-4-4 on the season and 1-2-3 in Empire 8 play. The team returns to action on Saturday, October 10 as the team travels to take on the SUNY Brockport Golden Eagles. Kickoff is set for 1pm from Brockport, NY.
