Moon Township, Pa. – The Robert Morris University women's soccer team fell to Canisius, 1-0, this afternoon from the North Athletic Complex, despite owning an 11-9 edge in shots.
Robert Morris (2-5-0, 0-0-0 NEC) started off strong with a 7-3 difference in attempts over the opening 45 minutes, but couldn't come away with the contest's first goal.
Canisius (4-2-0, 0-0-0) had the first prime opportunity in the 15th minute when Shauna Lee ripped a left-footed shot towards the right post. Sydney Bruckner made an excellent save on the strike, sprawling out to her left to tip it away.
The Colonials' first quality chance came in the 19th minute when Jane Schleicher played a ball over the top to Kristina Kelley. Kelley got in behind the defense and took her shot, but it was deflected by a sliding Alana Rossi of the Golden Griffins. Greer Monahan's follow-up was then blocked by a Canisius defender.
In the 40th minute, Schleicher made her way into the box and was taken down by Rossi to earn a penalty kick. Maleha Kureishy tried her luck by ripping the ball towards the right post, but Rossi guessed right and was able to punch it away.
Nine minutes later, RMU looked to have the opener thanks to another long-range attempt by Kelley. The sophomore midfielder struck a ball from 25 yards out that sailed towards the upper 90, but Rossi managed to get a glove on it and deflect it off the crossbar. The rebound made its way to Schleicher, who was stopped at the line to keep the contest scoreless.
The Golden Griffins picked up the winner in the 79th minute. Emily Czechowski swung in a corner kick towards the near post, deflecting off the knee of Amanda Wisbeck and past Sydney Bruckner for the goal.
Kelley and Monahan each registered a game-high three shots on the afternoon. Bruckner made three saves in the defeat.
Robert Morris is back in action on Friday, Sept. 15 when it travels to Bowling Green.
