Huntingdon, Pa. -- The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford women's soccer team took a first-half lead in their matchup with Juniata College, but after allowing two goals, were unable to break through again, ultimately falling 2-1.
After a slow start for both teams that saw the ball change possession in the midfield often, the Panthers were able to take advantage of their first chance of the game to jump ahead 1-0. After the Panthers drew a foul outside the 18, Delaney Stowe stepped up and delivered a perfectly placed shot that curled into the near-side netting. The goal was Stowe's third of the season and her 2nd from a free kick in as many games. After the goal, the Eagles began pressuring the Panther goal as Sadie Wood and the Pitt-Bradford defense fought off 2 shots on goal and 2 corners to keep the hosts off the board. Unfortunately, they were not able to hold them off for long, as the Eagles were able to even the score in the 24th minute. Pitt-Bradford was able to foray down the left flank in the 33rd minute, but Riley Stowe's shot on goal was caught and held for a save.
As the second half began, it did not take Juniata long to take the lead, as they were able to turn the Panthers over in the defensive third and score just 27 seconds into the half. Following the goal, the Eagles continued attacking the Pitt-Bradford goal as Wood was forced into 3 more saves in a 4-minute span. The Panthers were only able to break the pressure after 25 minutes, as Riley Stowe and Ainslie Gardner were both able to put shots on net, but saw their efforts saved. Wood made 3 more saves in the final three minutes to give the Panthers a chance to tie the match, but ran out of time.
Delaney Stowe scored her team-leading 3rd goal of the game from a free kick in the 12th minute. Riley Stowe led the team with 2 shots on goal, while Ainslie Gardner also added a shot on goal. Sadie Wood made 11 saves in the match.
The Panthers fall to 0-6 after the loss. They will be back in action at home on Thursday, as they will host Elmira at the Kessel Athletic Complex at 4:00 p.m.
