The Patriots lost on the road against the Traip Academy Rangers 2-0. This was a game that was frustrating for the Patriots and good for the Rangers. The Patriots controlled the game, were constantly in their attacking end and took 17 shots during the game. Despite all of this they found themselves on the wrong side of the scoreline.
The Patriots were quickly on the attack when the whistle blew to begin the game. They took a couple quick shots that were saved by the Rangers’ keeper Abigail Pitcairn. The Patriots even earned a couple corner kicks in the first six minutes but were unable to get the ball past the keeper. Just shy of eight minutes into the game, the Rangers had a quick counter attack, got the ball to Sydney Auclair at the top of the eighteen. She turned and shot a fantastic shot to the far post of the goal, hitting the side netting.
As the first half continued the Patriots began playing a little uncharacteristically for them. They went away from quick short passes to long over the top passes similar to what the Rangers had been doing. This created a ping pong style of play.
The second half was a different story. The Patriots came out a significant increase in energy. A few minutes into the half an injury put a damper on the night. Captain Mady West went down with an ankle injury and was unable to continue. This injury did seem to motivate the players even more. The Patriots kept the pressure on, bringing wave after wave of attacking play. Despite all of this effort, they were unable to get the ball across the goal line.
With fourteen minutes left in the game the Patriots were called for a questionable foul in their own box, giving the Rangers a penalty kick. Molly Sawtelle stepped up for the Rangers and put the penalty kick into the back of the net giving the Rangers a 2-0 lead. Despite seventeen shots, the Patriots never did find a goal.
The Patriots drop to 6-5 with the loss and the Rangers improve to 8-2. The Patriots will look to bounce back when they travel to St. Dom’s to take on the Saints Wednesday October 9th. The game will kickoff at 4:00 pm.