BRIGHTON, Mass. – Simmons soccer (0-8-1, 0-6-1 GNAC) dropped a tough Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) battle to New England College (1-7-1, 1-6-0 GNAC) on Tuesday evening.

The Sharks were strong out of the gate, maintaining possession of the ball over 60% of the time and looked to strike first. First-year Lauren Krupnikoff fired a shot on night but was saved by the Pilgrim goalkeeper Stephanie Bronowicki. Simmons continued to pepper the Pilgrim defense inside the New England College defensive zone. 

In the opening 10 minutes, the Sharks registered six shots on net – three by senior Sydney Neumuth. However, was unable to knock one passed the Pilgrim keeper. Bronowicki fended off the Shark offensive to send the teams into the locker room tied a zero.

Returning to the field at the start of the second half, the momentum remained in Simmons' favor. The Sharks were control of the game and looked poised to break up the stalemate. With back-to-back shots by Krupnikoff and graduate senior Riley Wasiuk, Simmons was knocking on the door. 

NEC was able to sneak through with 15 minutes left in the game. Shelby McBain found the lower corner of the net to give the Pilgrims the 1-0 advantage. But the Sharks were not going to be denied and played hard right until the end.

Sophomore goalkeeper Julia Rodgers kept the Sharks in the game, registering five saves, while Neumuth registered four shots, including one on net. 

SIMMONS HIGHLIGHTS

• Senior Sydney Neumuth led Simmons with four shots, including one on net.
• Graduate senior Riley Wasiuk, sophomore Kayla Noonan and first-year Lauren Krupnikoff followed with thre shot attempts.
• Sophomore goalkeeper Julia Rodgers registered five saves.

UP NEXT
Simmons returns to the pitch on Saturday, September 30 when they travel to Chicopee, Massachusetts for a 2 p.m. GNAC tilt against Elms College.