MIDDLETOWN, Pa. – Penn State Harrisburg women's soccer opened its 2021 campaign on the college's new turf field on Saturday afternoon, Sept. 4. The Lions dropped a hard-fought, 2-0 decision to former conference rival York (Pa.).

HOW IT HAPPENED

Penn State Harrisburg kept it close throughout but York (Pa.) was able to net a pair of goals in the first half and prevent the Lions from cutting into the deficit after the break in the team's season opener.

The Blue & White defense held off the Spartan attack for much of the opening half but York (Pa.) finally broke through in the 30th minute when Makayla Harper finished off a through ball from Anna Morton to put the Spartans on the board first.

With just over a minute left to play if the first half, the visitors struck again and doubled their advantage when Brooke Flugman inserted a corner kick that Colleen Sullivan converted with a header in the 43rd minute.

The Lions nearly cut the deficit in half when Kyla Brossoit corralled a ball in front and tried to get off an attempt from inside the box but was turned away when her shot was blocked by a York (Pa.) defender in the 67th minute.

NOTABLES

- Saturday's contest was the women's soccer program's first on the college's new turf field.

- Delaney Shifflett made four saves in goal for Penn State Harrisburg.

- York (Pa.) got off six shots on goal, while the Lions were unable to get off an attempt on frame.

- The Spartans managed four corner kicks on the day.

- Kyla Brossoit got off the lone shot for the Blue & White.

WHO'S NEXT?

The Lions wrap up their opening weekend by hosting Alfred on Sunday afternoon. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m.

STAY CONNECTED

Fans can keep up with Penn State Harrisburg Athletics all season long on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook using the handle @pshbgathletics.