The Golden Rams suffered a difficult loss Friday afternoon, 1-0, to Kutztown University in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Semifinals.The Golden Rams entered the PSAC Semifinals with an undefeated record of 11-0-1 in the conference and 18-0-2 on the season.
The Golden Bears, who lost to Indiana University of Pennsylvania last year in the Conference championship, entered this year’s semifinals 7-0-1 since losing to West Chester during their second match-up of the regular season.
During Friday’s game, the Golden Bears marched onto the field with confidence. As soon as the whistle was blown, they began to attack. It seemed as if the Golden Rams were a little unsure of themselves at first, but once they became comfortable with Kutztown’s footwork, the Golden Rams fell right into place, and it was an even match-up.
Throughout the first half of the game, defense was key for both teams. Neither team really dominated play. The ball spent an equal amount of time on each half of the field. At the end of the first half, the score was still tied 0-0.
The second half went almost the same as the first, with equal play. However, mid-way through the second half, freshman Cheyenne Brunner of Kutztown University scored what would later prove to be the game-winning goal.
Try as they might throughout the remainder of the last part of the game, the Golden Rams just could not connect with the ball to score a goal and force the game into overtime. The last part of the game was completely dominated by the Golden Rams. Despite many attempts at scoring, most of the balls were directed over the net or to the side, resulting in a very disappointing loss for the relentless Golden Rams.
Throughout the game, the Kutztown defense allowed West Chester only one shot on net, which was blocked. The Golden Bears, however, had a total of four shots on net, and freshman Goal Keeper Hilary Smart stopped all but one, which just barely slid past Smart’s fingertips as Brunner slid on the ground, directing the ball to the far corner of the net.
This loss broke the Golden Rams record-setting unbeaten streak of 21. The last time WCUlost was in the quarterfinals last year against Bloomsburg University.
Although they did not advance to the PSAC finals, the Golden Rams are still looking for a NCAA Division II playoff berth and to host the regional final four on November 11 and 13.
Kutztown University will face Slippery Rock University on Sunday in the PSAC finals.