Women’s Soccer Loses Heartbreaker to Goucher, 1-0

HUNTINGDON, PA- Despite leading in shots by a 2-1 margin, the Juniata women’s soccer team found itself on the wrong end of the scoreboard as visiting Goucher scored on a penalty kick in overtime to win 1-0 on Saturday afternoon at Winton Hill Field.  The loss drops the Eagles to 5-9-2 overall and 1-4-1 in the Landmark. Goucher picks up its first conference victory to move to 1-5 and 4-11-1 overall.

Juniata had chances in the first frame to score. Lauren Liacouras (Collegeville, PA/Perkiomen Valley) was off the mark on a header in the 11^th minute while Shayna King (Easton, PA/Easton Area) had a good look on a goal but was denied by Gopher goalkeeper Lexi Rudolph.

JC led 8-5 in shots in the second half. Goucher almost took the first lead of the game with less than seven minutes to play but Samantha Turner’s attempt bounced off of the post.

For the fifth time this season, the Eagles played an extra period. With less than six minutes to play, a foul was called inside of the box. Goucher was granted a penalty kick and Gaby Davis lofted a shot past the outstretched arm of Eagle goalie Kerry Leonard (Cockeysville, MD/Maryvale Prep) to give the Gophers the win.

Prior to the game, Juniata honored its four graduating seniors. The quartet of Lilian Dudek (Downingtown, PA/Upattinas School), King, Liacouras, and Katie Szczur (Johnstown, PA/Richland) have gone 33-30-6 during their time as Eagles and have qualified for the Landmark Tournament twice.

The Eagles will host one final game at Winton Hill Field on Wednesday afternoon against Pitt-Greensburg. Game time will be at 3 p.m.