Sussex Loses Home Opener to Harford

The Sussex women's soccer team lost a hard fought battle against Harford CC (MD) on Friday in the heavy rain.  Sussex controlled a lot of the game in the Harford half, but were unable to capitalize on their opportunities, while the Fighting Owls took the chances that mattered to secure their victory.  Rachel Bohli scored the game winner for Harford in the 65th minute with the game tied 2-2.  Sussex started the game well by scoring the opening goal in the 4th minute.  Kendra Berry slotted home the rebound from a hard shot by Hayley Merriman to give Sussex the early lead.  3 minutes later, Harford tied up the contest with a left footed blast to the far post from the right side of the 18 yard box.  6 minutes from halftime, Harford went ahead by capitalizing on a mistake by the back 4 just outside the penalty area and scoring on a breakaway.  Karleigh Noll then equalized minutes later off a loose ball outside the 18 yard box from a penetrating run by Giovanna Castro to bring the scores level for halftime.  Sussex found a lot of space down the left side of Harford's defense throughout the second half through bombing runs from Olivia Hudson, however, were unable to take their chances from good positions.  Harford then made Sussex pay for their wasted chances by scoring what would end up being the game winner in the 65th minute.  Rachel Bohli was able cut back to her lethal right foot just inside the penalty area and smash home the go ahead goal, in which Sussex was unable to overcome.

Next up for the Skylanders is region rival Mercer at Sussex on September 12 at 4:00pm.