LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Bellarmine University women's soccer team couldn't quite overcome allowing an own goal early in the first half Friday as the Knights were defeated 1-0 by McKendree in Great Lakes Valley Conference play at Owsley B. Frazier Stadium.
In the 13th minute, McKendree's Alynnah O'Leary was near the end line and poked the ball toward the top of the goal area. A Bellarmine defender was first to the ball but pushed it back toward the goal and inside the right post.
Considering the caliber of opponent in McKendree (4-1, 2-0 GLVC), Bellarmine (3-2, 0-2) perhaps delivered one its better efforts so far this season. The Knights posted a 19-9 advantage in shots, including 10-2 on frame. They kept Zoe Brochu busy, but the Bearcats goalkeeper managed to stop every shot that came her way in corralling 10 saves.
Bellarmine was shut out for the first time this season, but the Knights haven't scored more than one goal in any contest.
"That was a pretty good general soccer effort again today," Bellarmine Coach
Chris Tinius said. "We did a lot of good stuff against another good team, but it's the same story. In some ways, we deserve more and in some ways we got exactly what we deserve until we can finish. I am obviously pretty inept at being able to help us find goals, so I apologize to our team and fans."
A controversial call didn't exactly help things for Bellarmine either. In the second half, the Knights had what appeared to be a clear advantage with the ball in what was seemingly leading to a 1v1 between sophomore forward
Isabella Zamborini and Brochu, but as the play was developing McKendree was called for a foul. Instead of a prime scoring chance in the flow of play, Bellarmine had to settle for a free kick from nonthreatening distance.
Approaching the final minute, Brochu had a quick reaction to snatch a solidly struck header by senior forward
Annabel Moore as the Bearcats held off the Knights, who host Southern Indiana at noon (ET) Sunday.
"We have to regroup, maybe find some new ideas in short order, and be ready for what is shaping up to be a crucial match on Sunday," Tinius said.
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