Women's Soccer Starts off Season with Hard Loss to Keuka

Jessica Talbot '08

The first half started with EC dominating the speed of play in the midfield and in Keuka’s defensive third. Unfortunately, they were unable to find the back of the net on two solid opportunities. At the 10 minute mark however, Keuka took advantage of a miscommunication in the midfield and began their first attack of the afternoon. The Storms offense was able to intercept a pass in EC’s defensive third and was able to capitalize on an unassisted goal at the 14:37 mark. First year midfielder Molly McGuigan earned her first career goal and gave Keuka the early 1-0 lead.

However, it would only take three minutes for the Soaring Eagles to answer right back. Third year midfielder Moira Ghent ’09 (Chittenden, VT -- Berkshire School) tallied her first goal of the year off a deflected shot taken by teammate Jessica Talbot ’08 (Gilbertsville, NY -- Gilbertsville Mt. Upton) on a corner kick. Talbot tried to one time the loose ball in the box but it was deflected by a Keuka defender, which in turn put the ball right at Ghent’s right foot. Ghent blasted the ball by Keuka’s goalie to tie the game at one a piece.

Following the Soaring Eagle’s goal, the game would not remain tied for long, with the Storm answering right back on another defensive error. Alyssa Hermenet took advantage of a short pass in EC’s defensive third and was able to take on fourth year goalkeeper Meaghan Doherty ’08 (Albany, NY -- Albany) almost completely unchallenged. She was able to beat Doherty and put the ball in the lower left corner of the goal. The score would remain 2-1 for the rest of the first half. The second half saw many opportunities for both teams, but neither could capitalize within the box. Keuka’s best chance came on a penalty kick about midway through the half. However, Doherty was up to the challenge and made a terrific diving save to her left side stopping Keuka’s momentum dead in its tracks. Elmira College did everything in its power to score the equalizer, but no one was able to connect.

The Soaring Eagles return to action this Saturday, September 8th when they face Union College at 2 p.m. at William Smith College in the first round of the 2007 Heron Cup hosted by William Smith.