DENVER – The MSU Denver women's soccer team battled back from a two-goal halftime deficit but could not complete the comeback Sunday afternoon, falling 2-1 to Westmont at The Assembly Athletic Complex.
The loss moves the Roadrunners to 1-2-3 on the season.
Westmont struck twice in the opening half, with Hannah Hayes scoring both goals. The first came in the 32nd minute off an assist from Estella Bacsafra, while Hayes added her second less than five minutes later at 36:36 to give the Warriors a 2-0 advantage heading into halftime.
MSU Denver came out with a stronger offensive push in the second half, recording four shots after halftime compared to three in the opening 45 minutes. The Roadrunners also earned all three of their corner kicks in the second half.
Jaslyn Sanders cut the deficit in half at 62:58, finishing a feed from Sandra Swartz for her second goal of the season. The goal ranks second on the Roadrunners this season. It's the third assist on the season for Swartz, which also leads the Roadrunners.
Sanders was MSU Denver's most dangerous offensive player throughout the afternoon, putting all three of her shots on target. Two of those chances came early in the second half, with
Westmont goalkeeper Ellie Ludwig making saves on Sanders in the 52nd and 59th minutes before Sanders eventually found the back of the net.
The Roadrunners continued to pressure the Westmont defense in the final 27 minutes but were unable to find the equalizer. MSU Denver finished with seven shots, putting four on goal, while goalkeeper Morgan Shirley made two saves for the Roadrunners. Westmont held a 9-7 edge in total shots and a 4-3 advantage in shots on goal.
Maya Woods and Grace Johnson each added a shot for MSU Denver, while Addison Osilka and Madeline Everett also registered attempts.
The Roadrunners will look to bounce back in their next contest as they head into RMAC play against Westminster at home on Friday.
