SAINTS FALL TO UNION, 4-1

Oct. 5: Despite an early lead in the first half, the St. Lawrence women’s soccer team fell to nationally-ranked Union College Friday afternoon in Liberty League action at Sandy MacAllaster Field. The Dutchwomen, who are ranked #24 in the NSCAA/adidas national rankings, found themselves behind for only six minutes and battled back to defeat the Saints, 4-1.

Sophomore forward Megan Howard scored the lone goal for the Saints after first-year forward Lizzie Bogosian crossed the ball from the far post to just outside the six in front of the goal. The ball deflected off a number of players as the Saints fought for an early lead. Saints first-year midfielder Katie McHugh made a quick pass and got the ball to the foot of Howard, who then shot the ball into the back of the net to give the Saints an early 1-0 lead at 5:16 in the first half.

The Dutchwomen evened the score six minutes later in the twelfth minute of play, when Union freshman Katie McLean got a cross pass from teammate Caitlin Cuozzo and snuck the ball past Saints keeper Hayleigh Hochberg to tie the score 1-1.

McLean continued to be a dominant force for Union as she continued to battle past the Saints defense and attack scoring the next two goals for the Dutchwomen, earning her first hat trick of her collegiate career. The Newton, MA native scored her second goal in the 33 rd minute, after a scramble around the near post, where she was able to tap the ball just past the goal line. Her third goal came less than a minute later, as Dutchwoman Allison Cuozzo broke away past her defender and got McLean the ball, who then shot it into the net, giving Union a 3-1 decisive lead to end the first half.

McLean’s three goals brings her to 11 thus far in the season. It was also her first hat trick of her collegiate career.

Union was able to contain the Saints offense to only five shots in the first half, which included a 26-minute period where the Dutchwomen were in complete control of the ball, as they were able to prevent the Saints from making any shots.

Union’s fourth goal of the game came in the 69 th minute, when Union’s Caitlin O’Donnell saw teammate Rachel Schneidman wide open near the back post and passed the ball to her. Schneidman then powered the ball in between the posts, bringing the score to 4-1.

Union keeper Melissa McDonald had six saves for the Dutchwomen, while Hochberg tallied eight saves for St. Lawrence.

The Saints, now 7-4-0 overall and 2-2-0 in Liberty League play, will go against Skidmore Saturday afternoon on Sandy MacAllaster Field in another conference game. The match is set to start at 2:00pm.