YORK, Pa. - The York College women's soccer team suffered their fourth defeat of the season on Wednesday, falling 1-0 at the hands of visiting Dickinson College. The Red Devils improve to 2-1-1, while the Spartans fall to 0-4-1 on the year.

Both squads displayed outstanding defense throughout this young season by holding their opponents to low scoring games. The first half proved to be a test amongst the midfielders where the majority of the match was played. With both defenses clamping down, both the Spartans and Red Devils had a difficult time connecting passes with their forwards to create scoring chances.

After a 0-0 first 45 minutes, the beginning of the second half saw York create various scoring opportunities. One of the Green and White's best chances came on a shot from six yards out by Lauren Ward at the 55:40 mark, but Red Devil netminder Annie Weichert  made an incredible diving save to parry away the shot. Less than a minute later, York would find the back of the net only to be whistled for offside.

The second half proved to be more fruitful for the Red Devils. The young squad continued to apply pressure and energy to the Spartans. Genevieve Olson became the lone goal scorer for the game at the 59:47 mark. Olson's shot from outside the box on the left side floated into the right side of the Spartan goal.

As time winded down, the Green and White created additional scoring opportunities, including a header shot by midfielder Stephanie Rice which sailed just wide of the left post with 16:40 remaining in the contest.

York's best chance of the game however, came at the 85:37 mark. Ward made a great combination pass to Stephanie Mergler inside the Red Devil penalty area. The give-and-go left the Spartan senior with a brief 1v1 opportunity with only Weichert to beat. Unfortunately for the home side, Weichert corralled Mergler's near-post attempt to maintain the clean sheet.

For the game, Dickinson outshot York 14-11 while also holding a 4-2 advantage in corners.

Weichert records the shutout making six saves over her the 90 minutes of play, including several outstanding stops. Spartan goalkeeper Sarah Spanarkel suffers the loss despite making six saves for the Green and White.

York returns to action against Capital Athletic Conference rival Salisbury on Saturday, September 18. Kick-off from Graham Field is set for 1:00 pm.

GAME BOX

Photo: Spartan sophomore forward Lauren Ward winds up for a shot against Dickinson on Wednesday afternoon - courtesy of Zach Clabaugh - www.sharpedgefoto.com

Game story written by Brittany Percich - York College Athletic Communications practicum student