BOSTON – Simmons soccer (0-7-1, 0-5-1 GNAC) was edged out by neighboring rivals Emmanuel College (6-1-0, 5-0-0 GNAC), 1-0, in Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) play on Saturday afternoon.  

The Sharks played solid defense in the opening minutes, keeping the Saints off the scoreboard despite back-to-back corner kick chances in the opening minutes. However, Emmanuel was able to take advantage after being granted a third corner kick, with Ciara Hogan knocking the ball into the net.

Facing pressure from the Emmanuel offensive through the majority of the first, the Sharks defense stepped up, led by sophomore goalkeeper Julia Rodgers. Despite facing eight shots in the first period, only two were on net as they headed to half trailing by just one. 

When the teams returned at the start of the second half, Emmanuel continued to control the majority of the play. However, the Sharks saw their best opportunity in the final minutes. First-year Lauren Krupnikoff ripped a shot from outside the 18-yard box, but it was right at Saints goalkeeper Gaby Baker, who scooped the save.

SIMMONS HIGHLIGHTS

• First-year goalkeeper Julia Rodgers registered six saves.
• Junior Steph Mendoza, sophomore Charlotte Sckaal and first-year Lauren Krupnikoff reach contributed a shot on net.

UP NEXT
Simmons returns with a GNAC match on Tuesday, Septemmber 26, hosting New England College at 7:00 p.m. on Daly Field.