Women’s Soccer Suffers First Loss Since August

Despite a loss this week, women’s soccer remains in second place in the Patriot League and have qualified for the playoffs.

Despite a loss this week, women’s soccer remains in second place in the Patriot League and have qualified for the playoffs.

Colgate Women’s Soccer took on the Boston University Terriers this past Saturday, October 27, on Beyer-Small field to celebrate their senior day. Heading into the Patriot League tournament, the Raiders and the Terriers were battling for the number one seed and the chance to host all post-season play on their home turf. After a long battle, the Raiders fell 1-0 to the Terriers with their first Patriot League loss. Although Colgate will not be hosting the tournament, they have still secured their number two seed headed into next weekend. With a first round bye, the Raiders will be playing in the semi-finals on Friday, November 2, in Boston.

The game was scoreless for its entire first half. When the second half started, Colgate had many attempted shots but was unable to put one away past Boston University’s sophomore goalkeeper Amanda Fay. Sophomore forward Ellis Miller led the Raiders with three shots during the game, two of which were on goal.

Boston University’s senior defender Hannah Wilcox finally struck one past Colgate’s junior goalkeeper Kelly Chiavaro with only twelve minutes left in regulation. A cross was sent into the box from the right of the cage before Chivarao deflected it away. The Terriers were able to come up with the rebounded ball and get it to Wilcox who slipped it past Chiavaro low and from the left side. This was the first goal that has gotten past Chiavaro since September 30. Overall, the Terriers had 12 more shots than the Raiders on goal.

The Raiders kept fighting until the final minute. Junior midfielder and forward Mara Cosentino almost was able to score off a corner kick from sophomore midfielder Sage DiGiulio with nine minutes left to play. The shot was blocked while traveling through the box.

Despite the loss, Colgate was still able to celebrate their five seniors: captain and midfielder/defender Natalie Kozlowski, captain and mid- fielder/forward Martina Loncar, midfielder Gianna Bustamante, for- ward/defender Asia Lee-Fatt and goalkeeper Laura Leonard. They also celebrated their stellar regular season and the upcoming opportunity they have in postseason play. Head Coach Kathy Brawn praised the seniors after the game.

“Their contributions are not diminished by this loss. Rather, they give us a rallying point around which we will move forward,” Brawn said.

Colgate Women’s Soccer has never defeated BU in program history. However, the Raiders will likely be able to redeem themselves in the Patriot League tournament against the Terriers, as the two teams are favored to reach the Patriot League title match. Chivarao touched on the potential opportunity to not only get revenge but also make critical adjustments that could enable long-term success for the team.

“Although we [might] have to go to BU for the patriot league tournament, the team is in a really good place. Last weekend’s loss was tough but it was probably what was best for us, as we had not lost in a long time or even conceded a goal so it made us focus and realize that small break downs will cost us the game and that we can’t let that happen anymore… Our team is as motivated as can be and we will not leave Boston without the title and a spot in the NCAA tournament. We have waited for this time of the year all season and I really believe we have everything we need to get it done,” Chivarao said.

The semifinals of the Patriot League tournament are scheduled for Friday, November 2 in Boston, Massachusetts. At the time of this article’s writing, the Raiders’ opponent remains undetermined. Regardless of who it is, Colgate will be

chomping at the bit to continue its spectacular season thus far.

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