The Collegian
Friday, March 29, 2024

Women's soccer loses 3-2 to Charlotte, ending home win streak

After five yellow cards and 18 foul calls, the seven-game home winning streak of the University of Richmond women's soccer team has ended.

The Spiders lost 3-2 to the University of North Carolina-Charlotte at First Market Stadium on Friday night, giving the team its third-consecutive loss in Atlantic 10 play.

The Spiders fell behind 2-0 in the first 35 minutes, but narrowed the deficit to one goal with 5 minutes, 44 seconds remaining during the first half. Senior Julia Bizer received a short corner kick from freshman Emily Dale and crossed the ball in front of the net, where junior Nora Mann finished off the goal.

Richmond tied the score early during the second half off senior Sarah Hilt's penalty kick goal, her third one of the season and fifth goal overall.

But Charlotte quickly regained the lead minutes later when Hailey Beam scored her second goal of the game on a direct kick from just outside the goal box.

The Spiders controlled the ball on Charlotte's end for much of the final ten minutes but were unable to score the tying goal.

Physical play from both teams led to the 18 foul calls, including five yellow cards, four of which were given to Charlotte. Richmond junior forward Kristen Stalter was injured near the end of the second half and was carted off the field after the game. The details and status of her injury were not immediately clear.

"It was a great college soccer game," Richmond coach Peter Albright said. "We lacked confidence in the first 30 minutes ... but we learned something about ourselves and played extremely well in the second half. I feel about as good as you can after a loss."

The loss brought Richmond's record to 9-5-1 and 3-4 in the A-10.

"We're in a position where we have to win a lot of A-10 games to qualify for the (postseason) tournament," Albright said.

The Spiders have a chance to avoid a losing streak on Sunday afternoon at home against St. Louis University. Even with the recent struggles, Albright said he and his team were happy they could still qualify for the playoffs.

"It's good to be in the position," Albright said. "A lot of teams' seasons are already over."

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Contact staff writer Reilly Moore at reilly.moore@richmond.edu

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