WILKES-BARRE, PA - A late goal for King's College resulted in a 2-1 win over the Alfred University women's soccer team on Wednesday from McCarthy Stadium.

The Saxons (3-3, 1-0 Empire 8) faced 17 shots, nine of which were on goal. The Monarchs (5-0-2, 0-0 MAC Freedom) were limited to four corner kick opportunities. 

Olivia Gilbert (Ontario, NY/Wayne Central) scored her first goal of the fall season for the Saxons. Nyah Solly (Colden, NY/Springville-Griffith Institute) finished with one shot on goal. Kiani Barnard-Pratt (Westford, MA/Westford Academy) picked up a season-high seven saves for AU. 

"This was an unfortunate loss for us," Head Coach Craig Yanni said. "We weren't able to put together any sort of rhythm. We continue to hurt ourselves with mistakes that shouldn't be happening."

The Saxons were persistent early in the opening half, putting three shots across within the first five minutes of action. The defense successfully defended King's first three shots before the Monarchs found the back of the net for the early 1-0 lead. Later in the half, a throw-in to Julia Flaitz (Arkport, NY/Arkport) eventually found its way to Gilbert, who hit the left side of the goal to equalize the score in the final minutes before halftime. 

AU faced pressure throughout the second half, rejecting King's first five shots, three of which were on goal. Alyssa Smith (Pearl River, NY/Pearl River) was the first to attempt a shot for the Saxons in the final half. The Monarchs eventually scored once more in the 83rd minute to take the late advantage. Alfred University managed to attempt one more shot before the final horn but could not force the draw. 

"The coaching staff has to figure out what to do to get us to a point where we can be more competitive and be able to compete in the Empire 8," Yanni said.

Alfred University will next return to Empire 8 competition when they travel to face Russell Sage College on Saturday at 2:00 PM.