Soccer Drops Match Against Syracuse
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The University of Miami women’s soccer team was unable to continue its winning ways Sunday, falling to Syracuse 3-0 at the SU Soccer Stadium.
Miami (8-5-0, 3-5-0 ACC), who had reeled off back-to-back wins entering Sunday’s match, allowed three second-half goals in the defeat. The Hurricanes entered the locker room to a scoreless draw at halftime, but were unable to convert on scoring chances in the opening minutes of the second half.
“I’m very disappointed in our performance today,” head coach Mary-Frances Monroe said. “We didn’t show up to play in the first half. We came out to play in the second, had several great chances, but didn’t capitalize on them.”
A breakaway for Ashley Flinn in the 65th minute nearly put Miami on the scoreboard, but the Syracuse defense cleared a loose ball in the box away during a frenzied scramble.
Maya Pitts opened the game’s scoring in the 62nd minute, giving the Orange (6-8-1, 2-6-1 ACC) a 1-0 advantage.
With Miami building momentum, the Orange doubled the lead on a penalty kick against the run of play. Junior keeper Emily Lillard was whistled for a foul on a breakaway, resulting in a calm finish from Stephanie Skilton.
“We were unfortunate with some calls that really deflated us,” Monroe said. “You can’t blame the entire game on officiating, but sometimes a call can change the game’s outcome.”
Erin Simon capped the scoring in the 87th minute, sending Syracuse to the 3-0 advantage.
“We will come back and focus on things we need to change for the games in this upcoming week,” Monroe said.
Miami returns home for a matchup with Maryland Thursday at Cobb Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.
