Radford, Va. - Senior Emily Banes gave Towson an early lead, but the Tigers (1-2-0) suffered a 2-1 setback against Radford (1-0-1) on Friday evening after the Highlanders converted on two late penalty kicks.

"Radford put us under a lot of pressure and I thought we defended really well," said Head Coach Greg Paynter. "They really tested us, and showed us where we need to improve. It's hard to win on the road."

Banes gave the Tigers a 1-0 lead less than five minutes into the game, and Towson held onto that advantage until the 78th minute when Radford's Rachel Conway hit the first of her two succesful penalty kicks.

Radford controlled possession for most of the first half, and, despite a roster featuring three former Big South Defenders of the Year, Towson held a 1-0 lead at the break.

Banes posted her third goal in two games just 4:56 into the game on one of Towson's rare first-half forays into Highlander territory. She and three other Tigers converged on Radford keeper Che' Brown, and Banes pounced on a loose ball just in front of the net.

Her goal snapped the Highlanders' streak of 583:57 without allowing an opponent to score; they recorded six shut outs in that span. Towson was efficient offensively, scoring on one of just three shots taken in the first half.

Senior Amanda Novy's shot at 52:47 hit the crossbar, narrowly missing a chance to put the Tigers up by two. Despite an offensive flurry by Towson to start the second half, Radford picked up its intensity, returning to the Tigers' defensive end.

Freshman Emily Marshall had an opportunity for her first career goal, but her shot rolled just wide left of the net at 71:02.

However, Conway was fouled in the box and awarded a penalty kick at 77:46. She converted low left to tie the game at 1-1. At 86:58 she took another PK for the Highlanders and this time scored low right to put Radford ahead, 2-1.

The Tigers return home to host Mount St. Mary's on Sunday, September 1 at 1 p.m. at Tiger Soccer Complex.

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