WEST HARTFORD, Conn. - The Hartford women's soccer team suffered a 1-0 setback at home, falling to the Suffolk University Rams Saturday afternoon in their first Conference of New England (CNE) match of the season.

Rapid Recap:

• The Hawks and Rams both pressed early, each tallying a handful of shots testing the defense in the opening exchanges. First for the Hawks was sophomore Angela Chavez (Glastonbury, Conn.) who drilled the ball from the top of the box but was blocked by one of the Rams' back line. The Rams won back possession and swiftly changed the point of attack. Suffolk player Avery Porter sailed in a free kick to find the hands of senior Sejal Johnson (Weddington, N.C.) for a comfortable save. Tensions and frustrations rose in this opening half after both teams traded foul for foul, each breaking down their team's momentum when changing possession. The Hawks closed out the first half the more threatening of the two teams as freshman Anastasia Nerney (Gloucester, R.I.) tried to slip one by Rams goalkeeper but was closed down by two defenders. The score stood even, 0-0 heading into the second half.
• In the first play of the half, junior Kathleen Brush (Wethersfield, Conn.) showed a bit of her frustration as she slammed into the Rams' outside back in just the first six seconds of play. As a result , Brush received her first yellow of the season. The Rams used this anger to their advantage, quickly changing pace and taking two shots at Johnson in the next few minutes. The Rams were able to convert forcing errors from the Hawks back line and Angelina Giovanni was able to dance around two defenders with a give and go play from Daniela Petronio to find the back of the net in the 59th minute, 1-0 over the Hawks. The Hawks seemed unable to connect this afternoon and fell short in taking any more chances at net in the final minutes of this half. The Rams held their lead strong and closed out this CNE opener 1-0 over the Hawks.

Inside the Numbers:

• Hawks goalkeeper Johnson recorded four saves for Hartford, while Rose for Suffolk needing just two stops to preserve their shutout.
• Shots were evenly matched at five a piece though Suffolk fired more on target at 5-2.
• There was a high foul count in this CNE match up with Hartford committing 11 and Suffolk 10, and one yellow card issued to one player on each team.

Up Next:
The Hawks will hit the road to take on Emmanuel College in Boston, Mass this upcoming Wednesday, September 17th with kick-off at 7:00 p.m.

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