WOMEN’S SOCCER SUFFERS 1-0 SETBACK TO BUFFALO STATE

FARMINGDALE, N.Y. – The Emmanuel College women's soccer team suffered a 1-0 setback to Buffalo State Saturday afternoon in Day 2 action of the Farmingdale State Rams Classic. A day after falling to Western Connecticut State in their opener, the Saints lost a 1-0 decision for the first time since Sept. 21, 2011 when they fell on the road to University of Saint Joseph (CT). The loss drops EC to 0-2 in the early goings of the 2013 campaign while the win is the first of the year for the Bison who improve to 1-0-1.

The game's lone goal came in the first half when senior midfielder Paula Jones (Buffalo, N.Y.) connected on her first goal of the year at the 15:52 marker. The initial shot by Jones was deflected, finding a way to the back of the Emmanuel net to give the Bison the 1-0 cushion.

The Saints would have plenty of chance to equalize including a flurry of four corner kicks in a row around the 21 minute mark of the first half, but the Buffalo State defensive unit was able to turn all of the attempts away.

With about 18 minutes left in the action, Emmanuel had its best scoring opportunity of the second half when freshman midfielder Courtney Freadman (Richmond, Mass.) rifled a shot on the Bison net but it was turned away by junior keeper Linda Banfield to preserve the shutout.

Banfield made three saves to register her first shutout of the year and sixth of her career with Buffalo State. Sophomore goalkeeper Brenna Smith (Wantagh, N.Y.) made a pair of saves for Emmanuel.

Overall, the Bison held a 10-5 shots advantage while the Saints registered a 7-5 lead in corner kicks.

Emmanuel will return to action on Thursday, September 5 when they take on Fitchburg State University at 7:00 PM in their home opener. Buffalo State is back in action on Friday, September 6 when they host Manhattanville at 5:45 PM in Purchase, N.Y.