ANNANDALE-ON-HUDSON, N.Y. — Despite controlling the afternoon with a 36-8 advantage in shots, the RPI women's soccer team came up short in a 2-1 Liberty League setback against Bard tonight at the Lorenzo Ferrari Soccer & Lacrosse Complex.
RPI applied pressure from the opening minutes, generating six shots and three corner kicks over the first 16 minutes.
Elsa Ryan came inches from opening the scoring when an early attempt struck the post before the Engineers eventually broke through in the 20th minute.
Genevieve Ricci provided the setup for Ryan, who finished the opportunity to give RPI a 1-0 advantage.
The Engineers continued to create chances following the goal, but Bard equalized in the 29th minute when Nikki Magnozzi scored off assists from Alexandria Loner and Mahlia Slaiby. RPI finished the opening half with a 17-3 advantage in shots and a 9-0 edge in corner kicks, but the teams entered halftime tied 1-1.
RPI resumed its attack immediately after halftime, with
Micaela Ross, Ryan and
Isabelle Gelzhiser each generating opportunities. Bard moved in front in the 57th minute when Slaiby converted a feed from Kaia Brady for a 2-1 advantage.
The Engineers spent much of the remainder of the contest searching for the equalizer.
Keleigh Nihart put consecutive attempts on goal, while Gelzhiser and Ricci also forced saves. RPI mounted one final surge in the closing minute, producing four shots over the final 43 seconds, including another Ryan attempt on goal, but Bard goalkeeper Julianna LaFond preserved the victory.
Ryan led the Engineers with 10 shots, including five on goal and RPI's lone tally. Ross added seven attempts, while Nihart recorded four shots with three on target and Gelzhiser finished with four shots and two on goal. Ricci added three attempts along with the assist on Ryan's goal.
RPI finished with commanding advantages of 36-8 in total shots, 16-4 in shots on goal and 14-1 in corner kicks. Bard's goalkeepers combined for 15 saves to hold off the Engineers.
