Bulldogs fall in opener, 1-0

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant University women's soccer team dominated the final 45 minutes of play on Friday afternoon but couldn't break through as Chanel Johnson's first-half tally was enough to lift Hartford to a 1-0 victory at the Bulldog Soccer Field.

With the loss, the Bulldogs (0-1) have dropped back-to-back season openers to the Hawks (1-0) by the same margin, 1-0.

Friday's lone goal came off the foot of the reigning America East Striker of the Year. Johnson received a long ball from Raelynn Mikell and was able to head it over the Bulldog defense before burying it into an empty net.

"The first half was very lackluster and the energy just didn't seem to be there," head coach Chris Flint said. "The second half is exactly what we expect our standard to be and unfortunately we weren't able to get the equalizer."

The Bulldogs did everything they could, however. Pushing the temp for most of the half, the Black and Gold kept the Hawks pinned in their defensive third for a majority of the final 15 minutes. It was senior Suzanne Sanders' (West Chester, Pa.) opportunity in the 60th minute that gave the Bulldogs their best hope at knotting the score. Sanders was able to break through the defense but Hartford keeper Alison Koerkenmeier made a sprawling save to keep the ball out of the net.

Bryant continued to put the pressure on, drawing four corner kicks in the final 30 minutes. The Bulldogs' final push came on a great cross that Hannah Crofut (East Amherst, N.Y.) was able to redirect on net but, once again, Koerkenmeier was there.

"We did everything we could do but score," Flint said. "You don't always get the result you deserve."

The Black and Gold saw seven players make their collegiate debuts on Friday, including a pair of freshmen starters on defense in Brigitte Donaghy (Toronto, Ont.) and Kristen O'Connor (Beverly, Mass.). Kaylan Conrad (Avon, Conn.) finished with three saves in goal, punching away a beautiful attempt from Johnson in the first half.

Bryant returns to action Sunday as it travels to Orono, Maine, to face the Black Bears. Game time is set for 1:00 p.m.