LOWELL, Mass. – The UMass Lowell women's soccer team (1-5-5, 1-2-1 AE) fell to the Binghamton Bearcats (4-4-5, 3-0-2 AE) 2-0 on Sunday afternoon.
 
"I think the first was back-and-forth until the penalty kick call. It's unfortunate to go 1-0 down," said head coach Mira Novak. "We came out strong in the second half and I am pleased with the effort from the team. Unfortunately, we didn't capitalize on our chances and that was the difference today."
 
Seniors Chloe Layne (Wrentham, Mass.) and Calliste Brookshire (Kingston, Mass.) each had four shots on the afternoon with Layne tallying three shots on goal. Juniors Hope Santaniello (Agawam, Mass.) and Laura Cetina (Galicia, Spain) registered three shots each. Redshirt senior Taylor Burgess (Mendon, Mass.) made three saves.
 
The River Hawks controlled the pace of play from the opening kickoff and got off to a quick start in the seventh minute when Brookshire picked the pocket of the Binghamton center back and was in alone on goal. The defense recovered and forced the shot wide. UMass Lowell moved the ball well all game and switched the play with ease.
 
Brookshire had another chance in the 14^th minute after fifth year Julia Edholm (Stockholm, Sweden) played a brilliant through ball into the senior's path. Brookshire's left-footed shot forced a diving save that saw the ball go inches wide of the post.  Chloe Layne had two chances in the 23^rd and 31^st minute but saw both efforts saved.
 
Binghamton was awarded a penalty kick in the 32^nd minute which was converted by Lexi Vegoda to give to visitors a 1-0 lead. The Bearcats took the lead into the halftime break despite a strong first half from UMass Lowell.
 
The River Hawks started the second half with great energy and once again pinned the Bearcats in their own end. The visitors had little possession and no attacking threat but held strong defensively with several big shot blocks and saves.
 
Despite the pressure, UMass Lowell went down 2-0 in the 83^rd minute, a goal from Samiya Reid, against the run of play. Binghamton held off the attack and took the victory.
 
Next up, the River Hawks host Maine on Thursday, October 12. Kickoff is slated for 6:00 p.m. at Cushing Field.