Potsdam, NY – A late second-half goal by Union kept the Clarkson University Women’s Soccer team from recording its first-ever point against the Dutchwomen, as the Golden Knights fell 2-1 in the Liberty League conference opener Friday afternoon at Clarkson Field.

The Golden Knights fell to 2-5 overall and 0-1 in the Liberty League, while Union improved to 4-3 overall and 1-0 in conference play. Clarkson hosts Skidmore on Saturday, while the Dutchwomen travel to face St. Lawrence.

Union took little time to get on the scoreboard, finding the back of the net on its first shot on goal of the game. Sophomore Jessica Strang carried the ball down near the end line and was able to send a pass back to the center of the field just inside the top of the penalty area. From there, senior striker Bianca Germain was able to settle the ball and scored on a hard groundball to the corner at 4:59.

Union continued to control the ball in the Knights’ defensive end, but the Dutchwomen were unable to get many shots on the Clarkson goal. This inability to get a second score proved to be costly as Clarkson was able to pick up the equalizer 20 minutes after the Union score. Sophomore Andrea Walsh (Underhill Center, VT) found freshman Linde Zajac (Cicero, NY) by herself in the center of the Union defensive end. Zajac then created a set piece for herself and lofted a shot over Union goalkeeper Abby Stohler’s head, just underneath the crossbar at 26:34.

In the second half, Union had several chances midway through the half that were barely snuffed out by the Knights. Allison Cuozzo maneuvered around several defenders and sent a hard shot on goal, but Clarkson keeper Stephanie Collins (Colton, NY) made a diving stop to preserve the tie. Just three minutes later, Judy Horan sent a direct kick sailing towards goal, but it clipped the top of the crossbar and went out of bounds at 17:25.

The Dutchwomen’s attack finally came through with less than 10 minutes to go, as the ball was booted around inside the box and deflected to Katie McLean on the right side of the goal. McLean found Cuozzo open in front, and the senior midfielder shot a hard groundball into the corner for the go-ahead goal.

Union finished the game with a 20-7 lead in shots and a 10-1 advantage in corner kicks. Stohler made three saves for Union, while Collins had four stops for Clarkson.