A Close Contest on the Road
The Bryant University women's soccer team traveled to North Andover, Massachusetts, where they faced Merrimack in a tightly contested match that ended 1-2.
Bryant struck first in the second half when Samantha Zaslaw converted a penalty, giving the Bulldogs a 1-0 lead and sparking optimism among the visitors.
Merrimack answered quickly, with Kylie Fuller leveling the score in the 54th minute after a swift counterattack that caught the Bulldog defense off guard.
The deadlock was broken again in the 84th minute when Sophia Keogh curled a free‑kick from outside the box into the top corner, sealing a 2‑1 victory for the home side.
Bryant's attacking intensity was evident throughout, as they logged a season‑high 13 shots, a tally that underscored their relentless approach despite the final result.
Caitlin Forshay was among the most active, delivering three attempts, two of which tested the Merrimack goalkeeper, highlighting the Bulldog's persistent pressure.
The match also featured disciplinary moments, as Kaitlyn Brewi and Hannah Carr each received a yellow card for Merrimack, adding a layer of tension to the physical contest.
Zaslaw's successful penalty marked her second conversion of the season, reinforcing her role as a reliable set‑piece specialist for Bryant.
Looking ahead, the Bulldogs are scheduled to meet URI on September 3rd at 7:00 p.m. in Smithfield, Rhode Island, a game that will test their ability to rebound from this narrow loss.