Late Falcons surge stifles RMU as Colonials fall 2-0 at Bowling Green

For 75 minutes on Sunday afternoon at Cochrane Stadium, Robert Morris stood toe-to-toe with a Bowling Green roster packed with familiar local talent.

But two goals in the final 15 minutes broke the deadlock, handing the Colonials a 2-0 loss as they fell to 0-2-0 to open the 2026 season.

The matchup featured a distinct local flavor, with Bowling Green’s squad boasting several players who spent the summer wearing Pittsburgh Riveters colors in USL W League play—including defender Taylor Green, who ultimately put the cap on Sunday’s outcome.

The Falcons nearly opened the scoring just three minutes into the match when Lizzie Bultynck hit the pipe.

RMU responded in the 10th minute behind senior Ava Trethewey, whose driving shot forced an early save. Moments later, RMU defender Sophia Cucchetti—a transfer from Cleveland State—rescued the Colonials with a goal-line clearance off a Bowling Green corner, before turning around on the other end to strike a long-range shot that was tipped over the crossbar.

RMU created another prime opportunity ten minutes into the second half when Trethewey broke through for a shot on goal, but the attempt was turned aside. It proved to be the Colonials’ final shot on target of the afternoon.

The stalemate finally cracked in the 76th minute when Bowling Green’s Isabella Mazzaferro finished off a cross to put the hosts ahead 1-0.

With RMU pushing forward late, Green found the back of the net with under two minutes remaining to seal the victory.

Freshman goalkeeper Kally Prescott made her first career start between the posts for RMU, recording four saves, while Shauna Gamble, Addison Orehowsky, Bailey Campbell, and Fiona Fraser each went the full 90 minutes on the backline.

Inside the Box Score

• Shots: Bowling Green held a 15-6 advantage overall (7-3 on goal).

• Corners: Tied, 5-5.

• Fouls: Bowling Green 9, RMU 4.

• RMU’s Ironwomen: Shauna Gamble, Addison Orehowsky, Bailey Campbell, and Fiona Fraser played all 90 minutes.

• Five Riveters SC players and one Steel City FC player (Payton O’Malley, goalkeeper, Chartiers Valley) returned to play for the Bowling Green State University women’s soccer team this fall: Emme Butera (Midfielder), Gabby Lamparty (Defender), Taylor Green (Defender), Minah Syam (Midfielder, Avonworth) and Lexi Grundler (Goalkeeper)

Up Next

The Colonials close out their season-opening three-game road swing on Thursday, August 20, traveling to face Canisius in Buffalo, N.Y. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 PM ET.

John Krysinsky

John Krysinsky has covered soccer and other sports for many years for various publications and media outlets. He is also author of 'Miracle on the Mon' -- a book about the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, which chronicles the club, particularly the early years of Highmark Stadium with the narrative leading up to and centered around a remarkable match that helped provide a spark for the franchise. John has covered sports for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, DK Pittsburgh Sports, Pittsburgh Sports Report, has served as color commentator on Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC broadcasts, and worked with OPTA Stats and broadcast teams for US Open Cup and International Champions Cup matches held in the US. Krysinsky also served as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at his alma mater, Point Park University, where he led the Pioneers to the first-ever winning seasons and playoff berths (1996-98); head coach of North Catholic boys (2007-08), associate head coach of Shady Side Academy boys (2009-2014).