WEST HARTFORD, Conn. – A late second half comeback fell just short as Simmons soccer dropped a 4-2 decision to the University of St. Joseph (Conn.) in Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) action on Monday afternoon.

USJ's Maxine Muscatello buried a shot in the back of the net in the 34^th minute to give the Blue Jays the 1-0 lead, which they took into the halftime intermission. When the two teams returned at the start of the second half, the Blue Jays added to their lead three minutes into the  period.  

Kelsi Ursini connected with Jocelin Castro Ramirez to increase the USJ lead to two goals. With their backs against the wall, the Sharks were resilient and chipped away at the lead. First-year Rachel Hogan put Simmons on the scoreboard and cut the deficit in half scoring in in the 61^st minute. Five minutes later, sophomore Sydney Neumuth tied up the contest in the 66^th minute on a pass from senior Nell Spencer.

However, the Blue Jays answered with scoring two minutes after Neumuths's third goal of the season to re-gain the lead, before adding an insurance goal in the 80^th minute.

Sophomore goalkeeper Marita Nothacker registered four saves, while USJ's Victoria Schaffner registered one save.

SIMMONS HIGHLIGHTS

• Sophomore Sydney Neumuth scored the equalizer in the 66^th minute for her third goal of the season and her first since Oct. 9 in a 1-1 tie against Anna Maria.
• First-year Rachel Hogan put the Sharks on the board in the 61^st minute with her second goal of the season.
• Sophomore goalkeeper Marita Nothacker notched four saves on the afternoon.

UP NEXT
Simmons closes out the season on Wednesday, Oct. 27 when they travel back to southwestern Connecticut to face Albertus Magnus in GNAC action. Kickoff's slated for 7 p.m.