Middletown, Pa. – The Penn State Harrisburg women's soccer team had a great preseason run, starting off 2-0 prior to their first real contest Tuesday September 1st against the visiting Delaware Valley Aggies. Despite the Lions tying the game early in the second half, the Aggies regained momentum in the 70th minute and were able to hold on for a 2-1 win.
Penn State Harrisburg started the game strong with some quality ball movement right from the first kickoff. Unfortunately the home team's passing quality would slowly deteriorate as the Aggies high pressure along with the temperature made things more difficult.
Delaware Valley was able to break the deadlock with just five minutes to play in the first half thanks to a Karla Keler rocket in the top corner from just over 25 yards out. The lone goal did not set back the home team as they were able to regroup over the halftime break and came out firing in the second half.
Just three minutes into the second half Fay Ansary (Hummelstown, Pa./ Hershey) drove the ball down the right side and got herself to a dangerous area just outside the six yard box and goal line perfectly setting up newcomer Kristin Stark (Lancaster, Pa. / Donegal) for her first goal of her college career.
Unfortunately as the game opened late, it was the Aggies who were able to find the net for the game winner in the 70th minute. Harrisburg had a few chances to tie the game up in the final 15 minutes, but were unable to equalize. "We have had a great pre-season that has come and gone. Today we showed up for the first game of the season, but were not inspired enough to earn the win. We know the potential this team has which makes this loss tough, but will use this game as a learning tool to make sure we stay focused on the team's ultimate goal."
The Lions return to action Saturday when they travel to Susquehanna for a 5:00pm kickoff.
