NORTHFIELD, Vt. – The Norwich University women's soccer team came up just short Saturday afternoon, falling 2-1 to Albertus Magnus College in Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) action at Sabine Field.
Norwich wasted little time getting on the scoreboard, taking a 1-0 lead in the eighth minute. Sophie Guarriello (Barre, Vt.) found the back of the net at 7:34 on a solo run down the entire attacking third to give the Cadets an early advantage. Guarriello continued to be a presence in the attacking third throughout the afternoon, leading Norwich with four shots.
The Cadets maintained their advantage through the opening 45 minutes, putting together a strong first-half effort. Norwich recorded six shots in the opening half and limited Albertus Magnus while carrying its one-goal lead into the break.
Albertus Magnus responded after halftime with a pair of goals to take the lead. Despite the deficit, Norwich continued to push forward in search of an equalizer and worked to create opportunities in the attacking third throughout the second half.
The final big opportunity for the Cadets came off a header for Amanda Doherty (Slingerlands, N.Y.) in the final minutes that was just saved in the bottom right corner. The Cadets failed to generate another chance with time dwindling away.
The Cadets finished the contest with nine total shots, including contributions from Colby Magoon (Loudon, N.H.), who recorded two attempts. Guarriello led the offensive effort with four shots, while Doherty, Emma Korrow (Northfield, Vt.) and Jasmine Hackman (Clear Brook, Va.) each added an attempt.
Defensively, Gracie Dempsey (Alexandria, Va.) recorded six saves over 90 minutes in goal, just her second start of the year, helping Norwich remain within striking distance as the Cadets looked for a late equalizer. The Norwich back line also continued to work to limit Albertus Magnus' opportunities as the visitors held a 17-9 advantage in shots.
Norwich moves to 5-4-1 overall and 2-4-1 in GNAC play following Saturday's result and will visit Wentworth Institute of Technology on Thursday October 8th at 6 p.m.
