An own goal late in the 87th minute was the difference for Syracuse. The Orange (1-1-0) suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to No. 19 West Virginia (1-0-1) on Sunday in University Park, Pa.

With the score tied 1-1, both teams seemed poised to play an overtime period, but an SU defender mistakenly deflected a crossing pass from WVU’s Frances Silva, and the ball trickled past SU goalkeeper Brittany Anghel for the deciding goal. Anghel recorded five saves for the Orange.

The Mountaineers scored early when Silva assisted a pass to Kate Schwindel, who buried a shot in the back of the net from 12 yards out.

But the Syracuse defense found its rhythm and did not allow another goal in the first half.

SU capitalized on a prime scoring opportunity in the 56th minute when sophomore Erin Simon collected a pass from Jackie Moriarty between the defenders and beat West Virginia goalkeeper Sara Keane one-on-one to even the score at one goal apiece.

The Orange continued to generate scoring chances; however, it could not capitalize. Keane blocked a shot from freshman Stephanie Skilton in the 65th minute. Less than a minute later, Keane saved another shot from midfielder Rachel Blum off of a corner kick rebound, leaving the eventual own goal as the winner.

With the victory, the Mountaineers improved to 9-3-2 all time against SU.

Syracuse will play its home opener Friday at 7 p.m., when it hosts Albany at SU Soccer Stadium.

Published on August 26, 2013 at 12:16 am