NEW YORK — The Pratt Institute women's soccer team fell 4-2 to Gwynedd Mercy University in the First Round of the 2025 Atlantic East Conference Championship on Saturday at Randall's Island. The thrilling back-and-forth affair was the No. 4 seed Cannoneers' first home playoff game and first postseason appearance since joining the league last year.
Pratt seized momentum from the start. Kate Nolan (Perth, Australia) picked a pocket near midfield and drove to the top of the box for a low finish in the 2nd minute. The Cannoneers nearly doubled the lead late in the half earning a penalty in the 36th minute, but Natalie Gabelein stood tall and kept it a 1-0 game.
The Griffins pulled level on a penalty kick of their own in the 59th minute, only for Pratt to answer three minutes later. Nolan slipped a ball into the box from the left and Esme Falk (Oakland, Calif.) one-timed the go-ahead in the 62nd.
Gwynedd Mercy rallied over the final 20 minutes. A direct free kick from 35 yards out tied it in the 73rd, a rebound finish put the visitors in front in the 78th and a late follow-up in the 87th sealed it for the Griffins.
Pratt finished with 10 shots (eight on goal). Nolan closed with a goal and an assist, while Falk added her second of the year. Senior goalkeeper Emma Gaspari (Naperville, Ill.) made six saves in her final collegiate game.. Senior Kat Thomsen (Palo Alto, Calif.) put two of four attempts on frame, and Alyssa Trujillo (Morrison, Colo.) registered two shots on target.
Gwynedd Mercy (10-8-1) was led by Kira Bradley (two goals), Paige Fienman (one goal) and Drew Bark (one goal, game-winner). Natalie Morris added an assist. Goalkeepers Natalie Gablein (three saves) and Madisson Ronn (three saves) combined for six stops.
The Griffins held a 15-10 edge in shots and generated three second-half corners to Pratt's one.
Gwynedd Mercy travels to No. 1 seed Marywood University for a semifinal matchup on Tuesday evening. The Cannoneers conclude their season with a 8-6-2 overall record.
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