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THE BASICS
Score: No. 9 West Chester 2, at No. 21 Gannon 0
Records: West Chester (6-0-0, 5-0-0 PSAC), Gannon (3-4-0, 3-3-0 PSAC)
Location: Erie, Pa. – Gannon University Field
The Short Story: The No. 21 Gannon women's soccer team fell to No. 9 West Chester, 2-0, in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) action at GU Field Saturday evening. The Golden Rams relied on a pair of first-half tallies to remain undefeated on the season, while the Lady Knights are in the midst of a three-game skid.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The West Chester Golden Rams captured a 1-0 lead in the 23rd minute on a cross-header. Pinned in the corner, Carly Yost dodged her way around a Gannon defender before sending a cross to the front of the goal. Yost's cross was perfectly aligned with Marissa Valenti, who headed the ball in for the first tally of the evening.
- Just before the end of the opening half, the Golden Rams added an insurance goal. WCU's goalkeeper Alex Srolis blasted a goal kick to midfield, as Erica Hansen gained air for the ball. Hansen headed the ball backwards to Valenti, who took off in stride on a breakaway. Valenti raced in with a Lady Knight defender trailing behind, as she scored her second goal of the day.
- Junior Mani Brueckner (Valencia, Pa./Mars Area) generated multiple chances in the second half. In the 71st minute, Brueckner sent a corner kick to senior Justine Rodrigues (Georgetown, Ontario/Georgetown District), who shot it just wide. Brueckner and Rodrigues combined again a couple minutes later with Rodrigues' shot blocked.
- The Lady Knights' best chance came early in the 12th minute. Brueckner sent a corner kick right through the goal mouth, as junior Amanda Gallant's (Brampton, Ontario/Cardinal Leger SS) header missed the net.
 
GAME NOTES
- For just the second time this season and first time at home, the Lady Knights were outshot by their opponent. The shot totals were knotted at five a piece at the break before the Golden Rams ended the match with a 14-12 advantage.
- Gannon sophomore goalkeeper Shannon Differ (Brampton, Ontario / Notre Dame C.S.S.) and WCU's Srolis each recorded four saves, two in each half.
- Brueckner led the Lady Knights with seven shots followed by Rodrigues with three and junior Sammy Valloud (Erie, Pa./McDowell) with two. West Chester's Valenti converted each of her shots on goal, while the team was led by Kaitlyn McNamara with three shot.
- The Golden Rams dominated from the corner, generating nine chances to the Lady Knights' two attempts.
 
BEYOND THE BOX SCORE
- The Lady Knights fell to 1-6-1 in the all-time series with the Golden Rams, dropping their last two matches. The teams last met at the 2013 PSAC Tournament semifinals Nov. 8, on the campus of California (Pa.). West Chester eliminated the Lady Knights from the conference tournament with a 3-0 victory.
- Both squads occupy a spot in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA)/Continental Tire NCAA Division II National Rankings. The Lady Knights are ranked 21st and the Golden Rams are among the top 10, occupying ninth.
- In addition, both teams are ranked in the latest NSCAA Atlantic regional rankings. The Golden Rams hold the top spot, while the Lady Knights are third.
- This season, the Lady Knights are 0-1-0 against nationally-ranked opponents.
 
UP NEXT
Gannon concludes a three-game homestand against rival Mercyhurst Sept. 24. The match begins at 6 p.m.