Thursday’s home game for University of Rhode Island women’s soccer team ended in an 84th-minute goal for the Duquesne Dukes, putting away the Rams in a 1-0 game.
Despite being outshot 19-6, the Dukes were able to get past Rhody’s goalkeeper, fourth-year Faith Hutchins.
The lone goal, scored by first-year Anna Bundy, came off a feed from the outside by second-year Margey Brown. Bundy, unmarked inside the 18-yard box, tucked it in the bottom left corner of Hutchins’ net.
This tally from Bundy in a conference matchup helped earn her the title of Atlantic 10 Conference Rookie of the Week.
In a game where, according to head coach Megan Jessee, the Rams were the “all around better team,” the main concern lies within the offense’s inability to finish their shots.
“We’re dominating games, but we’re just not getting the results,” Jessee said. “Attacking wise, we’re creating a lot of chances, so it’s just that final piece.”
The first half saw the Rams maintain steady possession in the offensive end, forcing Duke’s goalkeeper Maddy Neundorfer to make four saves.
Hutchins also had to make back-to-back stops in the 27th minute, one a tip over the crossbar, and the other coming off the corner kick that took place because of the first save.
The consistency Hutchins brings in the net has provided the Rams with a sense of security, according to Jessee.
“She’s been doing great back there, very solid, which helps her back line,” Jessee said. “They’re very confident in her, so she just needs to keep playing.”
On the flip side, URI’s offense once again ignited in the second half, notching twelve shots, two of which went in on the third-year goalkeeper, Neundorfer.
Rams fourth-year forward Sam Hagerty was responsible for two of the team’s 19 shots throughout the contest.
“There are definitely things that I can change, but it’s good that we’re getting those opportunities,” Hagerty said. “We just need to put them away.”
Although she acknowledged that there are things the team can do to improve their lack of offense, Hagerty mentioned that missed opportunities are not something they dwell on too much.
“There’s definitely regrets, but we do something as a team to forget about those,” she said. “That way we can move past them and come out next game without them.”
The Rams were also given a leg-up in terms of the fouls both teams committed, responsible for just four of the 13 fouls distributed.
“[Physicality] is a huge factor,” Hagerty said. “Whichever team puts in the first tackle is usually the team that determines the physicality and comes out stronger.”
Following Thursday’s loss, the Rams competed in another A-10 conference battle on Sunday afternoon against VCU. Hutchins earned her fourth shutout of the season in a 0-0 tie.
Along with Hutchins, first-year Lauren MacDonald was the other notable player in the match for URI, recording three shots. The Rams of VCU put on a high-paced second half performance, but were unable to get past Hutchins, putting the Rams’ record at 0-6-5.
The Rams will look to earn their first win of the season in a faceoff against Davidson this Thursday. The game is home at 7 p.m. and will be streamed on ESPN+.