Moon Township, Pa. / North Athletic Complex-The Robert Morris University women's soccer team dropped a 3-2 decision to Howard University in the non-conference finale for the Colonials on Thursday afternoon. The Colonials sit at 3-5-1 going into Northeast Conference play while Howard improves to 3-4 overall.
The Colonials took the lead in the 52nd minute when Jess Sharik (North Huntingdon, Pa. / Norwin) intercepted a clearance attempt by Howard inside midfield. She played a quick through ball to Katie Austin (Dallastown, Pa. / Dallastown) who took the bouncing pass and chipped Bison goalie Cheyra Bell.
Four minutes later, Howard took their first corner kick of the half. The ball was played to the near post by Payton Bouie where Rachael Lee flick the ball to the six-yard line. Retha Koefoe ran on and headed the ball inside the right post to tie the game.
The Bison than took the lead in the 62nd minute when Jordan Brown beat her defender in the right side of the box, then found space inside the near post. Under three minutes later, Brown was setting up a teammate. She played a soft cross 10 yards from net where Bouie elevated and headed the ball soft over Jessica Olin's head to give Howard a 3-1 advantage.
The Colonials pulled to within one goal with three minutes left to play when Jamie Morra's (Pittsburgh, Pa. / North Hills) long ball fournd Ayana Davis (Mt. Laurel, N.J. / Holy Cross) who chipped the Bison keeper to put the margin to 3-2.
Robert Morris opens Northeast Conference play Sunday, September 26, when they host in-state rival Saint Francis (Pa.) in a Noon contest.
