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Duquesne women disappointed with home setback

It was a quiet scene at Rooney Field Thursday night as the Duquesne women’s soccer team lost a 1-0 decision to George Washington, marking its first home setback on the season.

“We were talking about how important the game was in terms of getting three points and putting ourselves in a situation where we could climb up the table,” Duquesne coach Al Alvine said. “To do that you have to get three points at home. I don’t think we came out with the intensity and the performance the situation required. It’s disappointing.”

Alvine’s disappointment became more clear with the largest amount of time spent in the locker room post game and an opening statement which eclipsed two minutes. His tone was barely above hushed.

“When we play together and do our thing, we’re a match for anybody but unfortunately tonight we didn’t bring it,” said Alvine.

George Washington scored its goal in the 59th minute when a defensive touch from Duquesne was not kicked out of harm’s way but instead bounced to Sofia Pavon who beat goalkeeper Kyra Murphy right for the lone tally.

“It all comes down to not taking good enough care of the ball, we’re much better than that possession,” Alvine said. “It’s disappointing to concede goals and chances like that but it’s something we’re going to have to figure out really quickly.

Losco’s injury caused Duquesne to start seven freshmen, something Alvine said would not be used as an excuse given the amount of games played thus far.

Halfway through the conference season, Duquesne sits two points behind La Salle for the final spot in the Atlantic 10 with four points, something Alvine understands is not good enough to get into the conference tournament.

Mathematically, hosting a first round game would require winning each of the five remaining conference tilts and some help, but Alvine is focused on his team and trying to get in the right position.

It was just three seasons ago when this year’s senior class first began their collective journeys on the Bluff that Duquesne was seeded seventh in the Atlantic 10 Championship and won the tournament, so Alvine understands there is still time and opportunities to get momentum and make another run.

“All games are winnable provided we have the right attitude and mentality,” he said. “Obviously tonight was good enough. If we play as good as we can with passion, heart and energy, we can win the next five games. If we play like the way we did tonight, we probably won’t win another game this season. That’s the reality. I’m disappointed right now, I hope they’re disappointed, we all should be, but we can’t dwell on it.”

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