ORLANDO, Fla. - The Dartmouth women's soccer team opened the 2012 campaign with a 2-0 loss to No. 9 UCF at the Central Florida Tournament in Orlando on Friday (Aug. 31) night.
The Knights opened up the scoring just nine minutes into the game on a goal from Nicolette Radovic. Radovic connected on a pass from Andrea Rodrigues in front of the Dartmouth goal and sent it just past goalkeeper Tatiana Saunders (Rye, N.Y.)
Despite the early UCF (4-1-0) goal, Dartmouth battled with the ninth-ranked Knights throughout. Freshman forward Lucielle Kozlov (Vancouver, Canada) provided a spark in the Big Green offense registering two shots, both of which were scoring opportunities.
Junior midfielder Chrissy Lozier (Fairfield, Conn.) also added to the Dartmouth offense with four shots on goal, while reserve Allison Yeager (North Potomac, Md. ) also added two shots on goal.
Despite the score, Dartmouth (0-1-0) fought tooth-and-nail, and held advantages in every offensive category including an, 8-5, edge in shots in the second half and a, 5-2, advantage in corner kicks.
Saunders picked up right where she left off in her freshman campaign and in 90 minutes of action made six saves.
After the Knight goal, the Big Green peppered UCF goalkeeper Lianne Maldonado with shots forcing her to make three quick saves to keep the Big Green off the board.
Yeager had a chance at the equalizer in the 40th minute again forcing Maldonado to make a play on the ball but that would be the last chance for the Big Green in the first half.
The Knights switched goalkeepers at halftime and Dartmouth took advantage with two quick shots, but couldn't find a way to slip the ball behind the goalkeeper.
UCF took a 2-0 lead in the 67th minute, scoring on set piece from 15 yards out.
Lozier had the best chance to get the Big Green on the scoreboard in the 71st minute. She wound up for a shot that nailed the crossbar and went just out of play.
She again had a chance in the waning minutes of the game, but her shot sailed just high.
Dartmouth continues action at the UCF Tournament on Sunday (Sept. 2) when they take on South Florida. Kick off between the Big Green and Bulls is set for 12:00 p.m.
AGATE
Dartmouth (0-1-0) vs. UCF (4-1-0)
Date: Aug 31, 2012 Attendance: 569
Weather: Clear skies
Goals by period 1 2 Tot
Dartmouth........... 0 0 - 0
UCF................. 1 1 - 2
SCORING SUMMARY:
1. 8:52 UCF RADOVCIC, Nicolette (3) (RODRIGUES, Andrea;MARTIN, Jennifer) - pass finds Radovcic in front of net
2. 66:50 UCF NICOL, Ashley (2) (unassisted) - free kick just outside box
Shots: Dartmouth 14, UCF 13
Saves: Dartmouth 6 (Saunders,Tatiana 6), UCF 7 (MALDONADO, Lianne 5;ORGAN, Connie 2)
