A tough start for the Eagles
On a crisp evening in Washington, the American University women's soccer squad stepped onto Reeves Field for its 2026 home opener, only to watch Longwood claim a 3-0 victory that left the Eagles searching for answers.
Longwood struck first in the 30th minute when Peyton Curney found the top right corner of the net, setting the tone for a match that would see the visitors dominate possession and shot volume.
The second half brought a rebound opportunity for Longwood, and McKenna Vogel capitalized in the 60th minute, slotting the ball past the outstretched arms of American goalkeeper Riley Molbury.
Just two minutes later, Madison Fitzpatrick converted a corner kick to seal the third goal, extending the lead and forcing the Eagles into a defensive scramble.
Molbury, despite making four saves, was unable to stem the tide as Longwood outshot the Eagles 21-2, a disparity that highlighted the defensive lapses throughout the contest.
The loss marks the beginning of a three-game homestand for American University, with the next challenge arriving on September 3 when they host UNC Greensboro.