PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y. – Pace University Women's Soccer battled back from a second-half deficit to pull even, but a late East Stroudsburg University goal handed the Setters their first setback of the season, 2-1, Sunday afternoon at Northwell Stadium. The loss moved Pace to 2-1 on the year after opening the season with consecutive victories.
The two sides played through a scoreless opening 45 minutes despite plenty of opportunities. East Stroudsburg generated 15 first-half shots, but Siena McCree kept the visitors off the board with seven saves. Pace put four of its seven first-half attempts on target, including chances from Isabella Pepe, Bailey Olson, Meredith Klosek and Alyssa Blanchette.
East Stroudsburg broke the deadlock in the 49th minute to take a 1-0 advantage. The Blue and Gold responded by increasing the pressure, registering 11 shots in the second half. Milani Thompson nearly provided the equalizer in the 64th minute when her attempt struck the crossbar.
Pace eventually broke through at 72:15. Bindiya Wadhwani finished a feed from Olson to bring the contest level at 1-1 and give the Setters new life with just under 18 minutes remaining.
The Setters continued to search for the go-ahead goal, with Klosek and Sophia Roman both putting attempts on target shortly after the equalizer. The game remained even until the closing minutes when East Stroudsburg found the deciding goal at 88:28.
McCree turned in a strong performance in goal, making 11 saves across 90 minutes. Klosek led the Pace attack with four shots, placing three on target, while Blanchette also recorded four attempts. The Setters finished with 18 shots, including 10 on goal, while East Stroudsburg totaled 24 attempts and 13 on target. Both teams earned three corner kicks.
Women's Soccer returns to action Wednesday, Sept. 9, traveling to Flushing, NY, for a 7:00 p.m. matchup against Queens College.
