The Emory University women's soccer team fell short in the University Athletic Association opener Saturday afternoon, falling to No.-12 ranked University of Chicago, 2-1, in Chicago, IL.
The Maroons benefited from a pair of first half goals by Rachel Dias and Peyton Jefferson to improve to 7-1-1. Senior Shivani Beall recorded her third goal of the season, totaling the one marker on a team-high four shots on goal as the Eagles fell to 6-3.
Chicago goalkeeper Miranda Malone made a season-high 10 saves as the Eagles outshot the Maroons 17-14 and 12-6 in shots on target. Senior Haley Pratt made four stops in the defeat as she slipped to 6-2 between the posts.
Trailing 2-1 late in the second half, Beall brought the Eagles to within one at the 79:44 mark, working around four Chicago defenders inside the middle of the 18 before finishing to the right post.
Emory had two scoring chances within the closing five minutes to try and tie the game but were denied both times by Malone. In the 85th minute, Freshman Natalie Klar got a foot on the loose ball inside the 18 after it pinballed around in the box, putting a shot to the near left post but saw Malone make the diving save. Senior Caroline Kolski took advantage of a Maroon turnover deep in the Chicago zone, firing a long range shot but tailed wide to the right.
The Eagles travel to Berry College for a non-conference matchup Tuesday afternoon at 4:00 PM EST before resuming UAA play next Saturday, October 12th, at home against No.-6 Washington University.