INDIANA, Pa. – The IUP women's soccer team (7-6-1, 5-6-1 PSAC) came up just short today in their match against the eighth ranked Kutztown Golden Bears. Despite being fairly evenly matched with their nationally ranked opponents throughout the game, the Crimson Hawks eventually would fall by a score of 2-0 on the day.
 
Having already taken down one nationally ranked visiting team this season it was clear from the start of the game that IUP would not be overawed by their opponents. The Crimson Hawks started the contest with a clear sense of purpose and intensity, matching the Golden Bears shot for shot in the early stages of the match.With both sides going all out for the opening goal it was only a matter of time before one team was going to breach their opponent's defense. Unfortunately, it was the Golden Bears who were able to find the first opening of the day when Junior Emily Zwiercan bent a curling shot into the top corner of the IUP net to give Kutztown the lead in the 12^th minute.
 
Inspired by that goal the visitors started to ramp up the pressure on the IUP defense, creating several dangerous chances and earning multiple set piece opportunities. However, thanks to a series great saves by IUP goalkeeper Madeline Smakulski, the Crimson Hawks were able to keep the deficit to one, and went into the halftime break needing only a single goal to draw even with their opposition.
 
The intensity which had characterized much of the play in the first half continued when the game resumed, with players from both sides refusing to give an inch. With tackles flying in left and right the contest became a slightly more physical affair, but never crossed the line into dirty play. The Crimson Hawks had several fantastic opportunities to level the score as the match progressed, putting several shots just wide of the Kutztown goal.
 
The Golden Bears would then double their lead in the 75^th minute when Kristina Miller climbed above the Crimson Hawks defense to head home a Kutztown corner kick. With the Crimson Hawks facing a defense which had allowed only three goals all year, it was always going to be an uphill battle to match that total in a single match, and their two goals ultimately proved to be enough to give the Golden Bears the victory.
 
Up next
The Crimson Hawks (7-6-1, 5-6-1 PSAC) look to pick up a critical three points in quest for a conference playoff berth when they welcome Lock Haven to town this week. Kickoff is set for 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday.
 
Follow
For up-to-date game information, visit IUPAthletics.com and follow IUP women's soccer on Twitter @IUPCrimsonHawk and @IUPsoccer.