Coming off of a win over regionally ranked Army, the UB women's soccer team (1-2-1 overall) headed into the University of Central Florida Soccer Invitational hoping to build on that momentum. Unfortunately, they left the sunshine state winless after a disappointing tie against Jacksonville (0-2-1), and a devastating loss to nationally ranked Central Florida (2-2).
On Saturday, the Bulls faced off against Jacksonville and came out charging, securing an early lead on the fourth shot of the game when senior Natalia Crofut dribbled down the field and scored her first goal of the season. Crofut moved within seven points of becoming one of the top 25 scorers in Mid-American Conference history.
The Bulls notched their second first half goal when freshman Andrea Vescio was able to free herself from a one-on-one and beat the keeper just minutes before the half ended. It was Vescio's first career goal.
However, the second half was a different story as Keri Zwikker and Jenny Borschel managed to put together two one-touch plays to bolster the Dolphins' score and tie the game at two.
The Bulls out-shot the Dolphins in both halves of regulation, but in overtime each team managed one shot. Senior goaltender Anna-Lesa Calvert made two saves in goal, one in the overtime period, while Jacksonville goalkeeper Michelle Kmiotek stopped five shots in total and two in the extra frame.
Monday, the Bulls matched up against the host of the tournament, the Central Florida Golden Knights, who are ranked 27th in the nation by SoccerBuzz.com. The Golden Knights gave themselves an early lead on the Bulls as Roberta Pelarigo and Jessica Newport scored two goals in the first six minutes of play.
The Bulls managed only one shot in the first half as the Golden Knights controlled possession for much of the time.
In the second half the Bulls battled back, notching six shots, one less than Central Florida's seven. In the 58th minute, Crofut hit the crossbar, barely missing a chance to chip away at the Golden Knights' lead.
However, the Bulls would get on the board when senior tri-captain Erica Mincher, with 58 seconds on the clock, dribbled the ball out of a battle. Mincher then placed the ball in the lower right corner to make the score 2-1. The comeback would end there and the score would stick at 2-1 in favor of the Golden Knights.
Crofut and junior defender Jessica Roesch received All-Tournament team honors. Both were also named to the Army BAE Systems Fall Classic team the previous weekend.
Buffalo will continue its non-conference play with games against three New York rivals, beginning with Canisius on Friday at 7 p.m.
Email: ubsports@hotmail.com
Photo: Courtesy of Matthew Messina, from the RMBERS' Instagram page
