Bulldogs fall to LIU,1-0

WOMEN'S SOCCER COMES UP SHORT, FALLING TO LIU, 1-0, FRIDAY IN SMITHFIELD

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – A single goal, by LIU's Nicole Labo, was the difference on a beautiful Friday afternoon at Bryant University, granting the Blackbirds a 1-0 victory over the Bulldogs.

Bryant (7-7) falls to 2-3 in Northeast Conference play after the loss, while conference foe LIU Brooklyn improves to 4-7-2 overall, 2-1-2 in the NEC.

Both squads had multiple scoring opportunities throughout the contest, but strong defending a solid netminding prevailed in a defensive struggle.

The best opportunities for the Bulldogs came in the final 45 minutes when both freshman Rachael Ivanicki (Colts Neck, N.J.) and senior Alex Bengston (Andover, Mass.) received crosses in the box, but were unable to get off clean looks at the net.

"Definitely a frustrating game for us," said Bryant head coach Chris Flint. "We just didn't do enough offensively and we didn't create enough dangerous situations in our attacking third."

The lone score of the match came in the 32nd minute by LIU senior Nicole Labo. The Blackbirds gained possession off a turnover inside the Bryant third when sophomore Bridget O'Sullivan collected the ball and rattled off two quick shots, first ricocheting a blast off the cross bar, before rebounding a firing a shot stopped by Bulldog keeper Lauren Viverito (Dayton, N. J.). On the second rebound, Labo swooped in to flick a scoring attempt off the finger tips off Viverito and into the back of the net.

Despite the goal, Viverito had a valiant showing between the pipes, stopping three Blackbird chances.

The well-played match warranted only 13 total fouls through ninety minutes, with the visitors outshooting the Bulldogs, 10-6.

"We're in the mix," added Flint. "But it's about getting the results."

"We need to find a way to be better in our offensive third and be better at home, and that has to start this Sunday against Quinnipiac."

Bryant has only one day to regroup before they take the pitch again on Sunday when they host Quinnipiac in a 3 p.m. showdown at Sutton Field.

For links to streaming video and live stats of Sunday's action and all the latest on Bryant University women's soccer, visit BryantBulldogs.com.