Women's soccer stumbles in first game

The Columbia women’s soccer team took more corner kicks—six, compared to one—and more shots on goal—five, compared to two—than its opponent. But the Lions still fell to Central Connecticut State, 2-1, on Friday night in Hartford, Conn.

Columbia was aggressive early, taking three of its corners in the first 14 minutes of action, but the Lions could not find the back of the net on any of them.

Central Connecticut State made both of its shots on goal count. The Blue Devils first struck in the 30th minute, when senior midfielder Clio Tregear scored. Freshman midfielder Nathalie Nilsson was credited with the assist.

Both teams substituted liberally after the goal, but neither scored for the rest of the half. Sophomore defender Isabel King, one of Columbia’s substitutes, took the Lions’ only shot of the period in the 43rd minute.

Columbia continued to create scoring opportunities in the second half but was unable to capitalize on most of them. Junior midfielder Nora Dooley’s shot in the 51st minute sailed high, while two shots by junior forward Ashlin Yahr and one by senior forward Keri Nobil were saved just over 10 minutes later.

Central Connecticut State scored what proved to be the game-winning goal on a breakaway in the 71st minute. Senior forward Kelly Hostetler tried to answer with a shot in the 74th minute, but it was too high.

Hostetler redeemed herself in the 81st minute with a penalty kick goal, just the third goal of her career. But Columbia did not score again, and Central Connecticut State came away with the victory.

Freshman goalkeeper Nikola Deiter did not save Hostetler’s penalty kick, but she finished the night with four saves for the Blue Devils.

Three freshmen—defender Shannon FitzPatrick, midfielder Beverly Leon, and defender Chelsea Ryan—started for Columbia, while two others—forwards Kimmy Bettinger and Colleen Rizzo—came off the bench.

Junior midfielder Nora Dooley, who had been sidelined by a hand injury, entered the game for the Lions in the 24th minute. She played a total of 60 minutes.

The Lions finish the weekend against Hartford on Sept. 5. Kick-off is set for 1 p.m.