RINDGE, N.H. (September 12, 2019) – A 19^th-minute goal from senior midfielder Sarah Reiber stood as the only goal of the match on Thursday night, as visiting Westminster (Utah) dealt the No. 19 nationally ranked Franklin Pierce University women's soccer team a 1-0 defeat in non-conference play at Sodexo Field. The Ravens struggled to generate offense throughout, as Westminster finished the night with a 21-6 advantage in shot attempts, including a 10-2 edge in shots on goal.

With the loss, Franklin Pierce falls to 1-1-0, while Westminster improves to 2-0-1.

The game's only goal came on arguably the first strong scoring chance of the night. In the 19^th minute, Westminster graduate student forward Sara Weixler played the ball into the middle of the penalty area from the left-wing side. The pass found midfielder Sarah Reiber 15 yards in front of the goal, and the senior was able to loft her shot over the reach of Franklin Pierce freshman goalkeeper Ithaisa Viñoly (Canary Islands, Spain) for her first goal of the season.

Franklin Pierce had a golden opportunity to equalize just prior to halftime, in the 44^th minute. Play inside the penalty area ultimately left the ball at the feet of sophomore forward Ciersten Palumbo (Holbrook, N.Y.), who would have both of the Ravens' strongest scoring chances on the night. Her shot back against the grain of the play was able to beat Westminster graduate student goalkeeper Hillary Weixler, but clanked off the left post and stayed out, as the Griffins held the lead into halftime.

Westminster's strongest chance to extend the lead came in the 67^th minute, when senior back Jayde Hansen had what looked to be a sure goal on a shot lofted just under the crossbar. Somehow, Franklin Pierce sophomore goalkeeper Casey Kane (Millis, Mass.) -- who had come on at halftime -- was able to time her leap just right to get one hand to the ball and narrowly keep it from finding its way to the back of the net. The rebound fell untouched inside the six-yard box, and Kane was able to scramble and corral it before the Griffins could track it down, to keep the deficit at 1-0.

Franklin Pierce's best second-half chance to even the score came late, in the 81^st minute, again courtesy of Palumbo. After a save by Kane at the other end, the ball wound up with the speedy sophomore, who took off on the counter-attack down the right wing. Palumbo was able to beat the final defender around the outside and uncorked a shot from just inside the top of the penalty area on the right side. Palumbo got everything on the strike, but unfortunately put it straight into the midsection of Hillary Weixler, who was able to make the save and hold the ball, though the shot came with such force she needed a moment to compose herself after.

Franklin Pierce was able to generate only one further shot attempt, by senior back Kiley Vermette (Enfield, Conn.) in the final minute of play, but it was blocked by the defense as Westminster held on for the 1-0 victory.

Viñoly (0-1-0) finished with three saves against four shots on goal in the first half and suffered the loss in goal for Franklin Pierce. Kane stopped all six shots on her goal in the second half.

At the other end of the field, Hillary Weixler (1-0-0) stopped both shots on her goal to pick up the win and post the shutout for Westminster.

The Ravens return to the field on Saturday, Sept. 14, when they remain home to host Southern Connecticut State in their Northeast-10 Conference opener. Game time is set for 7 p.m. at Sodexo Field. 

For more information on Franklin Pierce Athletics, please visit the official website of Franklin Pierce Athletics (https://www.fpuravens.com). Also be sure to follow the Ravens through the Department of Athletics' official Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/FranklinPierceRavens), its YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/franklinpiercesports) and its Twitter feed (http://twitter.com/FPUathletics). Fans wishing to purchase Franklin Pierce soccer apparel can do so at the Department of Athletics' brand new online store (https://www.shopfpuravens.com).