Capital Deals Allegheny Rare Home Loss
MEADVILLE, Pa. – Reigning Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) champion Capital University used three unassisted goals to trigger a 3-1 victory over Allegheny in women's soccer action on Sunday. The Gators held a decisive statistical advantage in every category except the one that mattered as the Crusaders dealt Allegheny its second straight defeat.
Allegheny (4-3-0) outshot Capital, 14-5, orchestrated a 5-3 edge in corners, and benefitted on 10 fouls levied against the visiting Crusaders (5-3-0). Still, the Gators were denied any points in the key non-conference tilt as Capital starting goalkeeper Maggie Donnellan snuffed out Allegheny's best chances. The team also failed to capitalize on several nice build-ups through the middle that resulted in quality opportunities deep in the offensive third.
Allegheny's Hannah Zangara had a beautiful chance in the sixth minute as she broke ahead of the defense on a nice ball sent by Alison Buzzard. Zangara, who was centered in front of the goal from 10 yards out, rang a shot off the left post.
In the 39th minute, Capital center back Lauren Roy snapped the scoreless tie with her first goal of the season. Roy drilled home a ground shot from the far post after emerging from a congested box with the ball following a corner kick. The ball was kicked around for several seconds before an unmarked Roy delivered the uncontested finish.
Less than two minutes later, the Crusaders doubled their advantage by taking advantage of an unforced turnover. An Allegheny goal kick was directed right at forward Kim Hoerauf, who quickly moved in to attack from the right side of the pitch without a defender in position to challenge the run. Goal keeper Kylie Mason came out to play Hoerauf, who chipped the ball over the head of Mason and into the back of the net for what was ultimately the game-winning goal.
Alexa Bosanac stretched the lead to three after burying a penalty kick in the 59th minute. The Gators were whistled for an illegal touch in the box to set up the goal.
Allegheny, which had several good chances throughout the second frame, finally got in the board in the 89th minute. Sophomore Emma Loniewski delivered a nice finish off a good cross from Kristen Opsatnik. Opsatnik, who made a strong run down the far side, crossed the ball from right to left, while Loniewski took one dribble before terminating the ball into the upper 90.
The Gators set a few dubious marks in Sunday's loss. The defeat marks the first time Allegheny has dropped two consecutive matches during the regular season since 2008. Also, the three goals against was only the second time a Coach Webber-led squad has yielded three goals at home, and the first since 2007.
Allegheny, which finished the 2011 season undefeated at home, lost at the friendly confines of the Robertson Athletic Complex for just the second time in 23 games.
