BOSTON - Emmanuel women's soccer suffered its first loss on Clemente Field on Saturday afternoon, falling in a Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) match against Johnson & Wales, 2-0, on Emmanuel's Family Weekend.
The loss drops the Saints to 9–2–1 (6-2-1 GNAC) and moves them down to third place in the conference standings. The Wildcats improve to 8-3-0 (7-0-0 GNAC) as they remain perfect in conference play.
The first half failed to spark any offense but only 32 seconds into the second half, the Wildcats broke the scoreless draw, taking a 1-0 lead.
A clearance out of the Wildcats end fell in behind an unsuspecting Saints defense as JWU sophomore Sophia Warburton ran in behind and on a breakaway. Warburton continued her run toward the penalty area and slid a right-footed shot past Emmanuel junior goalie Gaby Baker, giving the Wildcats a one-goal lead.
The Saints had a handful of opportunities to equalize with juniors Liz McCormick and Sarah Dullaghan finding their chances, but being turned away each time by senior goalie Leah Bragaw, helping keep the Wildcats ahead 1-0.
Johnson & Wales doubled its advantage in the 72nd minute via a set play off a free kick. Junior MacKenna Renaud started the free kick with a pass to graduate Madison Sanborn. She followed with a cross from the right wing, finding the head of first-year Jamie Davies, who found the back of the net for a 2-0 edge.
The Saints pressure increased while Dullaghan had her best chance of the match in the 82nd minute, but her attempt from close range rolled just outside the right post, keeping the match at 2-0.
Warburton's tally was her second of the season and first game-winner this year. Davies netted her fifth of the season, matching the team lead with senior Emily DeRoehn and sophomore Grace Sheehan. Bragaw made one stop on the afternoon, improving to 3-1-0 this year.
Despite the loss, the Saints outshot the Wildcats, 10-9, led by Dullaghan's five attempts. Baker made two stops as she drops to 3-1-1 this season.
The Saints return to play on Wednesday, Oct. 9, hosting Mitchell at 7:00 p.m. in conference play. The Wildcats are back on Monday, Oct. 7, as they host Connecticut College at 5:00 p.m.
