The Marist women's soccer team opened its season with a promising start, striking first in the fourth minute against Fordham at Tenney Stadium at Leonidoff Field.
Ella Bryan delivered a precise pass to Marissa Foster, who slotted the ball past the goalkeeper to put the Foxes ahead 1-0.
A Second‑Half Reversal
Fordham answered back in the 58th minute when Liv Johnsen redirected a cross from Salma Simonin into the net, leveling the score.
The Foxes' defense, anchored by goalkeeper Nelly Bianchi‑Nigale, kept the pressure on, making three crucial saves in the latter half.
With just minutes remaining, Ava Giudice found the breakthrough, finishing a swift counter‑attack to give Fordham a 2‑1 lead that held until the final whistle.
Despite out‑shooting Fordham 10‑6 in the opening half and earning five corner kicks, Marist could not convert its early dominance into a sustained advantage.
Goalkeeper Samantha Graf recorded a save in the first 45 minutes, but the Foxes' five shots on goal were not enough to force a equaliser.
Marissa Foster's first goal of the season also marked her first collegiate tally, while Ella Bryan's assist highlighted her playmaking role.
The Foxes will look to rebound when they travel to face Holy Cross on Thursday, August 27, at 8 p.m., a match that will stream live on ESPN+.