Soccer Drops Decision at Yale
By Alex Schwartz
NEW HAVEN, Conn. – For the second consecutive match, the University of Miami soccer team fell behind on a penalty kick goal and was unable to charge back.
Miami (3-2-0) came up on the short end of a 2-0 result against Yale at Reese Stadium Friday night, as the Bulldogs remained undefeated on the year.
Yale (4-0-0) scored on the first shot of the match, a penalty kick by sophomore midfielder Noelle Higginson following a Miami handball in the eighth minute. The only goal the Hurricanes conceded in the first four matches of the year also came from the spot.
Senior forward/midfielder Grace Rapp made an excellent play in the 37th minute to keep the Hurricanes within one. After a header by junior midfielder Sofia Griff went over the head of redshirt junior goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce, a sprinting Rapp saved the ball off the line.
Although Miami held a 5-3 edge in shot attempts at halftime, Yale took a 1-0 lead into the intermission. It marked the first time in 2017 the Hurricanes trailed at the midway point.
The Bulldogs, who also own a win over then-No. 21 Connecticut, added to their lead in the 55th minute on a breakaway goal by Michelle Alozie. Senior forward/midfielder Sarah McCauley played the ball up to Alozie and she did the rest to double Yale’s advantage.
The junior forward’s tally was the first one Miami has allowed this season not on a penalty kick, ending a stretch of 414 minutes and 14 seconds to begin the campaign.
Miami pushed players forward down the stretch, but could not find the back of the net. It was just the second time since the start of the 2016 season the Hurricanes gave up multiple goals in match during which they did not score.
Junior forward Niccola Venezia made her first start of the season for the Hurricanes, while Miami’s other 10 starters remained the same as the opening four outings.
The Hurricanes return to the field Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m., when they meet Quinnipiac in Hamden, Conn., at Quinnipiac Soccer Turf Complex.
To keep up with the University of Miami soccer team on social media, follow @CanesFutbol on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
