ARLINGTON, Va. - The Shenandoah Women's Soccer team dropped its season opener Friday afternoon at Marymount University with a 1-0 decision. The Hornets (0-1) held an offensive edge on the stat sheet, but the Saints (1-0) would take a shot from distance that would be the decider, giving Marymount its first win against Shenandoah since 2008.

RECAP
The first half of action saw no goals scored, but a flurry of shots by both teams. Shenandoah took 8 shots to Marymount's 7; both teams placed 5 on goal. The Hornels earned themselves 7 corner kicks as well, but were unable to convert any into goals.

Possession was dominated by the Hornets through the majority of the first half, but defensive mishaps gave Marymount solid looks at goal.

Late in the opening half, the fouls started ramping up by SU, as 6 of their 8 first half fouls would occur in the last 15 minutes.

Shenandoah got one last second shot off by Kaitlyn Wahl off of a throw in, but it would miss wide right.

The defensive intensity by both teams continued early on into the second half. The Hornets were able to send crosses into the box, but were well cleared by the Saints. Offside penalties kept the Saints from having too many offensive opportunities as well.

The first goal of the game came in the 68th minute as Nicole Alvarado of Marymount took one touch and lofted a ball from 30 yards out. The ball would fall in just above the outstretched glove of hornet keeper Sadie Kerns.

Shenandoah had a big shot on goal in the 80th minute, but a pivotal save would be made by Saints goalkeeper Mara DuFour to keep her team up 1-0 and secure the victory.

UP NEXT
Shenandoah returns home on Wednesday, September 3rd for the start of their 4-game home stretch against Stevenson. Kickoff slated for 7pm.

#GoSUHornets