WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Palm Beach Atlantic women's soccer dropped their first match of the season on Thursday night, as they allowed a late goal to Belmont Abbey College and fell 1-0 in their home opener at the Rinker Athletic Campus. The Sailfish fall to 1-1-1 with the loss, as the Crusaders improve to 3-0-0 with the road victory.
The Sailfish dominated possession in the first half, as they outshot the Crusaders six to three. The Sailfish had a great scoring chance in the 18th minute, as goalkeeper Jez Rubalcava punted a ball that bounced over the last line of defense and found the foot of Kylee Rullo, who was able to get a shot off that banged off the right post. Just three minutes later Lindsey Pinder fired a shot that made it over the Belmont Abbey keeper but hit off the crossbar.
The match entered half scoreless and the halftime intermission was a bit extended due to lightning in the area. The Sailfish had a couple more great scoring chances in the second half, as this time it was Kianna Magner sending a shot towards goal, but this time it found the left post and the 'Fish remained off the board.
The Crusaders finally broke the scoreless tie in the 85th minute as Katherine Turner fired a shot from long range that was out of reach of Rubalcava and gave the Crusaders the 1-0 advantage. The 'Fish were unable to get an equalizer in the final five minutes and fell by the 1-0 final.
The Sailfish will return to action on Saturday, Sept. 8 as they host Florida Memorial for a 6 p.m. start at the Rinker Athletic Campus.
