BROOKLYN, N.Y. — The Pratt Institute women's soccer team fell 5-1 to Atlantic East Conference leaders Marywood University on Saturday afternoon at home at Aviator Field.
Despite the loss, with the results of Saturday's contests around the league, Pratt has clinched it's first berth to the Atlantic East Conference Championship, which is set to begin next weekend.
Marywood (15-1, 6-0) extended their win streak to 13 and used a three-goal first half to set the tone, striking in the 20th, 33rd and 42nd minutes. The Pacers added another in the 59th before Pratt answered seconds later when senior Kat Thomsen (Palo Alto, Calif.) finished to make it 4-1. Marywood tacked on its fifth in the 68th.
Pratt (7-5-2, 3-3) saw key moments from both goalkeepers. Senior Emma Gaspari (Naperville, Ill.) turned away early chances, including a 2nd-minute stop and a point-blank save in the 28th, while junior Savannah DePaz (Chapel Hill, N.C.) made three saves after the break.
The Cannoneers generated late pressure. Kate Nolan (Perth, Australia) forced multiple saves in the closing minutes, and Emma Pratt (North Attleboro, Mass.) also put an effort on frame late in regulation. Nolan led Pratt with three shots, all on target. Thomsen scored her eighth of the season.
Marywood's attack was paced by Samantha Dias (two goals), Rylee Alston (one goal, one assist) and Caroline Walters (two assists). Genevieve Morrison made five saves.
The Pacers finished with a 21-7 advantage in shots and earned 13 corners to Pratt's two.
Pratt closes out the regular season at home against Saint Elizabeth Unviersity on Wednesday, Oct. 29, at 7 p.m. at Randall's Island Field 10.
