NEW HAVEN, Conn. - WKU put two more shots on goal than Yale on Friday night but Bulldog goals in the 26th and 85th minutes downed the Lady Toppers 2-0 in their first game at the Yale Classic at Reese Stadium.
The Lady Toppers (3-2) fired six of their 10 shots on goal but Yale (3-0) goalkeepers Rachel Ames and Elise Wilcox were continually in position for saves as they earned a split clean sheet. Freshman Bria Mosley had WKU's two best opportunities late in the first half and early in the second half but a pair of diving saves from Ames and Wilcox kept the Lady Toppers off the scoreboard.
Yale's Melissa Gavin broke a scoreless tie in the 26th minute, sending a free kick past outstretched WKU goalkeeper Allison Leone to put the Bulldogs in front 1-0. Trailing 1-0, the Lady Toppers responded heavily on the attack but could not finish their opportunities by finding the net. Gavin iced WKU's defeat with a flip to teammate Sarah McCauley in the 85th minute, who buried her shot in the left corner of WKU's goal.
Yale dictated possession throughout most of the first half but the Lady Toppers were able to generate shots in most of their attacking opportunities. Both teams fired five shots in the first half, with WKU's best look coming in the 41st minute when Mosley broke free in the box but had her shot tip saved by Ames. Sophomore Kelly Phipps was there for the rebound but her shot was deflected out to set up a corner kick, which was cleared by Yale.
WKU came out of halftime aggressive, firing the first three shots of the half and controlling possession during the first 20 minutes of the period. Sophomore forward Iris Dunn set up another good chance for Mosley in the 54th minute, but Yale's Wilcox stopped a shot headed for the lower right corner with a diving save.
Freshman midfielder Sarah Gorham fired the Lady Toppers last shot on goal from about 25 yards out in the 67th minute but Wilcox was again there for the save. From there it was Yale dictating pace until McCauley's goal put the finishing touches on WKU.
Mosley and fellow rookie Shayna Dheel led the Lady Toppers with three shots each while sophomore Caitlin Hesse also fired twice. Leone made a pair of saves in between the posts.
WKU returns to the pitch Sunday morning at 11 to face Sacred Heart (3-2-1) in its final game at the Yale Classic. Sacred Heart lost to Yale 2-0 earlier this week before defeating Manhattan 4-0 on Friday night.
The 2014 WKU Soccer season is being presented by the United States Marines. This season The Marines and WKU Athletics are working together to promote the outstanding athletic and academic achievements of our female student athletes. The Marines are proud to work with and support these future leaders of America.
For more information on WKU Soccer, follow the program on Twitter at @WKU_Soccer or visit WKUSports.com.
