Bulldogs fall to Holy Cross, 2-1, in double OT

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Despite controlling the gameplay in the final two thirds of the contest, the Bryant University women's soccer team dropped yet another heartbreaking, double overtime loss, 2-1, this time to Holy Cross, Tuesday evening at Bulldog Soccer Field.

The Crusaders (4-0), who remain unbeaten through four games this season, scored in just the sixth minute thanks to Aly Spencer's fifth marker of her unheralded rookie campaign to take the early advantage, before securing their first win over the Bulldogs (1-3) since 2011 with the game-winner in the 110th minute.

"Today's result was thoroughly frustrating," said Bryant head coach Chris Flint. "The girls did a great job of fighting back but we dug ourselves a big hole in the first half. I thought we had some good chances that we let slip away, and in a game like that you can't allow that to happen."

After heading into halftime facing the 1-0 deficit, the Black and Gold came out of intermission aggressively, answering back in 67th minute thanks to a beautiful score from junior forward Scout Benson (Lynnfield, Mass.) off an assist from classmate Sarah Schucker (Nanuet, N.Y.). Benson, who accounted for six of Bryant's 13 shots was relentless in the attacking third all afternoon, with a pair of near-goals in the first frame, before converting her first of the season in the second.

The final 20 minutes and first 18+ minutes of overtime were back-and-forth with numerous opportunities for both squads squandered by quality defending. However, with less than a minute to play, the Bulldogs were awarded a free kick off a Holy Cross foul, which quickly turned into a Crusader counter up the left side of the pitch. Eventually, Caitlin Harty moved the ball into the box, finding a streaking Spencer just to her right who put it into the back of the net for the win with just 12 seconds remaining on the clock.

"Despite the tough result, we need to bounce back," added Flint. "We have URI in two days, so hopefully we can learn from this and be ready for another tough game on the road Thursday."

Bryant will open the first of a three-game road trip (five of the next six) on Thursday when they visit the Rams (7:30 p.m.), before wrapping up the week at Iona on Sunday (1 p.m.). Through four games this season, the Black and Gold are 1-0 away from Bulldog Soccer Field.

For all the latest news on the Bryant University women's soccer team, visit BryantBulldogs.com.