UB women’s soccer team fell to the Eastern Michigan Eagles in its first MAC loss with a score of 0-2 Sunday at Broadview Stadium. Now, Buffalo’s record stands at 4–3–3 (1–1–1 MAC), as Eastern Michigan improves to 4–1–4 (2–0–1 MAC).
Buffalo had started strong this season, beating the Canisius Golden Griffiths in 2-1 Sept. 2 and the Central Michigan Chippewas 1-0 on Sept. 17. But they had struggled to overpower Toledo Sept. 19, ending in a 0-0 stalemate.
The entire first half saw both teams tied at 0-0, with its goalkeepers saving the other side’s shots.
The Bulls tried to pull ahead at the 26th minute as senior defensive midfielder Eva Blatz attempted a shot from inside the box, but Eastern Michigan’s redshirt senior goalkeeper Ella Holland saved it. Buffalo returned the favor six minutes later: its goalkeeper senior Lexie Thompson saved Eastern Michigan’s freshman midfielder Annalyse Bauer’s attempted shot after a free kick.
Buffalo had their next chance in sophomore defensive midfielder Adriana Victoriano’s corner kick from senior defender Maya Galko but Holland, once again, saved the shot.
In the 56th minute, the Bulls made their final attempt to end the tie as sophomore forward Gabriella Capra attempted a shot with a long ball pass from Blatz. Capra’s shot ended with Holland’s save.
The second half started out in Eastern Michigan’s favor as it scored the first goal of the match in the 67th minute of play. With a free-kick situation, Thompson left her post to compete for the ball. The ball was knocked loose and capitalized to score.
Buffalo handed Eastern Michigan its second goal with a handball penalty at the match’s 84th minute.
The game saw both teams take seven shots each; however, Eastern Michigan had six shots on goal, compared to only four for Buffalo. There were four corner kicks for each team, while both Thompson and Holland recorded four saves. Capra led Buffalo with two shots and one shot on goal. Alexis Kochan and Victoriano each had one shot on target, while Emma Patti with one shot.
Buffalo is scheduled to travel to Oxford, Ohio, to play against the Miami (Ohio) (1-1-1) 7:00 p.m. Thursday at the Bobby Kramig Field.
The sports desk can be reached at sports@ubspectrum.com.
