HOUGHTON, NY—The Alfred University women's soccer team dropped a 2-1 matchup against Empire 8 opponent Houghton College Saturday afternoon on the road.
 
The Saxons put all of their shots on goal against the Highlanders, scoring once, but the offense fell just short to bring home a victory. 
 
AU notched an early shot on goal in the 5^th minute when senior Lexi Flint (Arkport, NY/Arkport) broke toward the net; however the opportunity was turned away by Houghton's Shawna Sprout.  Houghton's offense put eight shots on goal in the first half, but sophomore Sammy Jo Shanahan (Valley Stream, NY/Valley Stream South) and the AU defense turned them all away.  At the end of the first half the game remained tied at zero.
 
The Highlanders put two quick scores up on the board in the 52^nd and 55^th minutes to grab a 2-0 lead over the Saxons.  AU answered back with a goal in the 82^nd minute.  Freshman Emily Wright (Dallas, TX/Plano West) buried a low penalty kick to bring the Saxons within one.  However, the momentum could not be fully taken advantage of as AU was unable to mount another shot on goal.  Houghton remained on top in the end, 2-1.
 
Shanahan played the entire game in goal for the Saxons, making 13 saves. Following the game, the young keeper has 135 saves on the year, first in the Empire 8.
 
The Saxons (1-13-2, E8 0-6-1) return home for Senior Night, Wednesday at 7:30PM, to take on non-conference opponent King's College.