Robert Morris women lose first match of season to Purdue Fort Wayne, 2-0, in Horizon League opener

From Robert Morris  Athletic Department Report

Robert Morris women’s soccer team’s undefeated streak came to an end, as they fell to Purdue Fort Wayne, 2-0.

The Colonials are now 6-1-2 overall this season and 0-1 in the Horizon League. Purdue Fort Wayne is now 4-3-2 overall and 1-0-1 in conference.

MOMENTS THAT MATTERED

Early on, the home side received three corner kicks in the first five minutes. RMU did well to weather the storm and defend their goal as they didn’t allow a shot in that beginning stage.

Eventually, the Colonials got the first shot on the board in the 11^th minute, as Renae Mohrbacher tested PFW’s goalie out and Samantha Castaneda made the save.

About 10 minutes later, it was Mohrbacher again, dribbling down the right side. She crossed it over to the captain Kaoru Hayashi who turned past a defender and curled a shot to the back post. Castaneda made the diving save to preserve the tie.

Two minutes passed and Jillian Marvin the right-back stepped up to the play and ripped a shot, just going high over the crossbar. The Colonials continued to get chances as Mohrbacher posted another shot on goal that was saved.

With just five minutes to go in the half, the Mastodons combined in the final third. Morgan Reitano found Amanda Leonard and then she connected a pass to Mackenzie Evans. From just outside the 18-yard box, Evans placed a shot into the bottom left corner and gave PFW a 1-0 lead.

At the end of the half, RMU was outshooting PFW, 6-3.

Starting off the second half, the Mastodons worked to add more to their lead. 16 minutes into the second half, PFW recorded three shots and three corner kicks.

Finally, in the 66^th minute, PFW scored a very similar goal to their first one. On the counterattack, Elliott Madde slid a pass to Malia Velker and she set up Lauren Klusek on the run. Klusek took a shot from about the same spot Evans did, finding the back of the net also in the bottom-left corner.

After going down 0-2, the Colonials started a surge of creating quality chances.

Two minutes after giving up a goal, Malia Kearns got tripped up in the box and a penalty kick was called. Elisa Corvalan stepped up to take the shot but unfortunately her shot went over the net.

Continuing the push, Nduka from outside the box curled a shot, just wide of the left post. In the 72^nd minute, Cali Laymon pushed forward on a corner kick opportunity. The ball bounced out to her and she bulleted a shot on net. It took a redirection and went straight to the hands of Castaneda.

Three minutes later, freshman Julia Becerra took a shot from distance. With great power, the shot was on frame but saved once again.

Chance after chance, the Colonials just couldn’t get a point, and fell to the Mastodons, 0-2.

SCORING PLAYS
40′ – Goal: Mackenzie Evans (2), Assisted by: Amanda Leonard (1), Morgan Reitano (2)
66′ – Goal: Lauren Klusek (2), Assisted by: Malia Velker (1), Madde Elliott (1)

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
RMU failed to score but certainly had their chances and created more than PFW. The Colonials peppered 11 shots and allowed 10. Eight of RMU’s shots were on goal while only five were on goal for PFW. 11 different players posted a shot for RMU and the home side had six separate players record a shot. Individually, outside backs Emily Rocco and Jillian Marvin were the two players to play all 90 minutes for RMU. Both players have been a staple for the Colonials backline.

HEIGHT OF THE HORIZON
Although not scoring today, Lidia Nduka and Renae Mohrbacher are still at the top of the Horizon League in points. Nduka leads the conference in goals (7) and points (14). Mohrbacher is just behind her with five goals and three assists, totaling 13 points.

UP NEXT
RMU continues conference action as they’ll host Green Bay this weekend at the North Athletic Complex. The Colonials will take on the Phoenix on Sunday, September 17 at 12:00 p.m.