Houghton, NY– The Houghton College Women's soccer team opened up Empire 8 play Saturday afternoon with a 2-1 loss to the Pioneers of Utica.

The first half proved to be a fairly even battle between the two teams with neither team able to gain a clear advantage over the other. This lead to a pretty even shot count for each team in the first half (Utica-4, HC-3) and also a scoreless game heading into the half. 

The second half began with the action that was missing in the first half with two goals in the first 5 minutes. Houghton's Mariah Steffen was able to find the back of the net from a penalty kick making the score 1-1. However, that score would not last long as Utiica would score a goal two minutes later off the foot of Ro Hernandez to tie the game at 1-1. As the game came to the closing minutes, Jacinta Kaminski would find the back of the net with only 8 minutes left in the game. The Highlanders were not able to recover as the game clock hit 0:00, giving Utica the 2-1 victory. 

With the loss, the Highlanders drop to 0-1 in Empire 8 play as they prepare for Pitt Bradford at home on Tuesday Night.

GAME VITALS Score: Houghton – 1 | Utica- 2 Records: Houghton: 3-2-0 | Utica 4-1-0` Venue: Gaetano Stadium | Attendance: 269

NOTABLE STATS

>>  Utica out-shot Houghton in the game 13-8.

>> Houghton Goalkeeper, Megan Merrifield, recorded seven saves on the day while allowing two goals in the contest.

UP NEXT

The Highlanders will be at home against Pitt Bradford on Tuesday Night.