MEDIA, Pa. — Cedar Crest College fell to Penn St. Brandywine in a closely contested match, 2-1, at Brandywine Field on Saturday to open United East Conference play. The Lions secured the victory with two first-half goals, while the Falcons managed to score once in the second half. The Falcons' goalkeeper recorded five saves, contributing to a tense defensive effort in the second half.

The first half began with the Falcons facing early pressure from the Lions. Despite a solid defensive effort, the Falcons fell behind when sophomore Addy Stanton scored in the 14th minute, assisted by first year Emma Kearns. The Falcons responded with several offensive attempts, including a shot by senior Lauren Davis (Oley, Pa./Oley Valley) that was saved by first year Jasmin Alvarez, and a corner kick shortly after.

Midway through the half, the Lions extended their lead with another goal from Stanton, again assisted by Kearns, in the 28th minute. The Falcons continued to press forward, with first year Amiyah Carroll (Severn, Md./Old Mill Senior) and first year Laila Stevenson (Sayreville, N.J./Sayreville War Memorial) both testing Alvarez, but the Lions' goalkeeper held firm. The half concluded with the Falcons trailing 2-0, despite their efforts to narrow the gap.

The second half began with both teams looking to establish control, but it was the Falcons' defensive effort that stood out early. Senior Bella Bozen (Lockport, Ill./Lockport Township) made a crucial save in the 71st minute to deny the Lions' first year Larkin Henderson, maintaining a tense atmosphere. The Falcons then capitalized on their momentum, with Stevenson scoring in the 83rd minute to narrow the deficit.

Despite the Lions' attempts to respond, including a shot saved by Bozen in the 89th minute, the Falcons' defense held firm. The half concluded with the Falcons trailing by one, closing the gap to 2-1.

Bozen, in goal, recorded five saves over 90 minutes, facing 16 shots and allowing two goals. Stevenson scored one goal and registered three shots, with all attempts on target. Carroll led the team in shots with four, including one on goal.

Stanton led the Lions with two goals, including the game-winner, on four shots, all of which were on target. Kearns provided critical support with two assists and contributed with five shots, three on goal. In goal, Alvarez was instrumental with five saves, allowing only one goal on 11 shots faced, securing her first win of the season.

In their next contest, Cedar Crest (1-7-0 overall, 0-1-0 United East) will travel to Phoenixville, Pa., to take on the University of Valley Forge on Wednesday, October 1 at 3:30 p.m. Penn State Brandywine (5-1-1 overall, 1-0-0 United East) will hit the road to take on St. Mary's College of Maryland on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.