#15 Tartans Open with Road Loss at #5 William Smith

(GENEVA, N.Y.) – The 15th-ranked Carnegie Mellon University women's soccer team opened the 2022 season at fifth-ranked William Smith on Sunday, September 4 in a battle of the final four teams from the 2019 season. In an evenly played game, the Herons defended their home field with a 2-0 win.

Thoughts from head coach Yon Struble

"Today was a battle of two great programs," said Struble. "We knew heading into the game we would be challenged in every way."

"The first half was in their favor, as they came on with a great mentality and physically. Despite being down, 1-0, we had a few good opportunities but lacked composure in the final third."

"We regrouped at halftime and turned the tides of physicality and mentality. The statistics were honest, we had a lot of quality looks but we couldn't capitalize."

"We play teams like William Smith to push ourselves and learn and we did both today. I'm proud of their effort and am looking forward to getting back on the field this Wednesday."

Inside The Box Score

• The Tartans had the first shot on goal when freshman Jenna Hallbeck put a shot low center that was saved in the 12th minute.
• William Smith had two shots on goal that were saved by senior Olivia Brand in the 19th and 21st minutes.
• After a corner kick in the 26th minute, William Smith put a shot past Brand for the 1-0 lead.
• The Tartans had a chance to equalize before the half ended when sophomore Catherine MacNichol put a shot on goal in the 35th minute.
• In the 56th minute, junior Breana Valentovish put a shot on frame that was cleared out by a defender covering the line.
• MacNichol had another shot on goal in the 68th minute that was stopped by the Heron keeper.
• The next minute, William Smith scored off another corner kick to make it 2-0.
• The last shot on goal for the Tartans came in the 72nd minute by sophomore Alana Frederick.

News and Notes

• Both Carnegie Mellon and William Smith reached the NCAA Division III Championship site in  2019 with William Smith advancing to the final.
• Carnegie Mellon reached the round of 16 of the NCAA Division III Championship in 2021 with William Smith finishing as one of the final eight teams.
• The teams last met in 2014 with the Tartans winning 2-1 on a neutral field in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

Next Up

The Tartans return to the field on Wednesday, September 7 at Franciscan University for a 5:00 p.m. start.