This past week the Colgate women’s soccer team faced fierce Patriot League competition in their games against Boston University and Bucknell University. Last Wednesday the Raiders traveled to Boston where they fell to the Terriers 1-0.  Although first-year forward Abby Sotomayor took the first shot of the game within the first six minutes, senior BU goalkeeper Bridget Conway came up with a big save.  In the 15th minute, Boston midfielder Jesse Shreck put her team on the scoreboard with a point blank shot that passed first-year goalie Kelly Chiavaro.  Despite sophomore midfielder Jayne Maccio’s two shots that followed in the second half, the game remained at 1-0 going into halftime.

The Raiders controlled the momentum and the majority of possession in the second half. In the final few minutes of the game, the Raiders were able to take two shots and a corner kick, but failed to convert them into goals and the game ended with a 1-0 BU victory.  

Head coach Kathy Brawn shared her thoughts following the game.

“This game was a learning experience for the team, but only 45 minutes of great effort doesn’t suffice,” Brawn said. She also noted that the team would regroup and take time to rest before playing undefeated Bucknell.  

Last Sunday, the Raiders played their homecoming game against the Bucknell Bisons. In the 4th minute of the contest, Bucknell

forward Maddie Mulford scored, giving her team the early advantage. The Raiders answered back when senior forward Sarah Coy took a corner kick that first-year defender Dom Demarco headed to the feet of junior midfielder Keely Lockwood.  Lockwood completed the play for a Raider goal in the 21st minute, tying up the game.

Colgate outshot Bucknell 8-3 for the remainder of the half but the game went into halftime 1-1.  

In the second half, the Raiders maintained the pressure that they played with in the first half, accounting for the first five scoring attempts. Chiavaro was faced with a one-on-one situation in the 82nd minute and came up with a huge save, sending the game into overtime.  In overtime, the Raiders again took the first shots of the term, one of which was made by senior forward Sarah Coy and by just inches flew over the crossbar.  However, with one second left Bucknell scored off of a corner kick allowing them to preserve their unbeaten record.  

Senior captain Sophi Lederer reflects on the game.

“Overall the team played really well and dominated play all throughout the second half,” Lederer said. “The loss was really frustrating, but we are hoping to move past it and look forward to four games coming up next week. I hope our team meets Bucknell again in the Patriot League tournament so we can have another opportunity to battle and win in the postseason against one of our biggest rivals.”

This Saturday, the Raiders will travel to Worcester, Massachusetts, to face off against conference rival Holy Cross. The Raiders hope to snap their two game losing streak and put themselves above the .500 mark for their conference record.