Robert Morris lead slips away in 2-1 loss to Cleveland St

From Robert Morris University report

Despite holding a lead at the half, the Robert Morris University women’s soccer team dropped a 2-1 decision to Cleveland State on Saturday morning at the North Athletic Complex in Horizon League action.

With the loss, the Colonials fall to 7-6-4 overall with a 1-6-2 mark in league play. Meanwhile, the Vikings improve to 7-6-3 overall this season behind a 4-4-1 record in conference action. Cleveland State has now won the last five meetings in the series.

MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
It was an aggressive start for both teams as they combined for four shots in the opening nine minutes of the contest. Robert Morris tallied back-to-back shots in the 10th minute before Cleveland State responded with two of their own. After a foul occurred in the box on the Vikings, the Colonials were awarded a penalty kick. Junior Haleigh Finale took the kick for RMU and found the back of the net to give the Colonials a 1-0 lead at the 29:45 mark. The two programs combined for six corner kicks and a shot before the end of the half.

In the second half, both teams opened up with a shot on goal before Cleveland State tied the match in the 58th minute. Robert Morris looked to answer in the 66th minute, as freshman Paloma Swankler fired a shot to the bottom left that was saved and ricocheted to Finale, who’s shot sailed over the top. The Vikings answered at the 77:53 mark when Grace Krosky found the right side of the net after the ball bounced around off of two defenders, 2-1. The Colonials made one last push as freshman Renae Mohrbacher fired a shot to the bottom right corner but was saved by keeper Liv Fain.

SCORING PLAYS
29:45 – Finale, Penalty Kick
57:50 – Ramicone
77:53 – Krosky

QUOTABLE
“I’m very proud of the way the girls battled today,” assistant coach Brianna Murgi said. “They played with heart and played for each other. It was an unfortunate result but we take this momentum into Wednesday’s game against Youngstown State.”

QUICK HITS
Finale scores her team-leading fourth goal of the season … RMU finished with a 13-12 shot advantage, including a 6-5 edge in shots on goal … Cleveland State held a 5-4 lead in corner kicks.

UP NEXT
Robert Morris closes out the regular season on Wednesday, October 26, when it celebrates Senior Day against Youngstown State at 2:00 p.m.