WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Lehigh women's soccer team held a 14-9 edge in shots, but American converted the game's only goal in downing the Mountain Hawks 1-0 on Saturday in the Patriot League opener for both sides. The loss snapped Lehigh's three-game unbeaten streak as the squad looks to bounce back against La Salle on Monday.
 
"In an honest assessment, I feel we gave up a golden opportunity to get three points in the league," said Lehigh head coach Eric Lambinus. "We had enough of the ball in the final third to score multiple goals today. We have strong desire to be a good side and high work rate team, but we have to turn that into better execution offensively. One goal should not have decided today's game."
 
American unleashed the first shot of the day in the 12th minute, but sophomore goalie Ani Nahapetian made the stop. Lehigh's first shot came just over five minutes later when senior Murphee Greeley's shot hit the crossbar.
 
Junior Darby Dustman and freshman Leah Holmes added shots on goal in the first half, but American goalie Charlene Belanger was there to make the saves.
 
American broke the ice just over a minute into the second half as Erin Mulhern found the back of the net from 15 yards away.
 
The Mountain Hawks continued to have chances, holding a 9-5 second-half shot advantage, but they couldn't convert any into goals. Lehigh had four shots in the final 10 minutes looking for the equalizer, including two on goal by junior Danielle Salans, but it wasn't enough.
 
Final shots were 14-9 in favor of Lehigh while the Eagles held a 5-4 edge in corner kicks. Greeley led the Mountain Hawks with four shots. Nahapetian finished with three saves across Belanger who made five.
 
Lehigh will look to bounce back on Monday when it hosts La Salle at 7 p.m. at the Ulrich Sports Complex. The Mountain Hawks will remain home next Friday (Sept. 27), welcoming Bucknell in a Patriot League showdown.
 
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