RIO GRANDE, Ohio -- The Lawrence Technological (Mich.) University women's soccer team traveled to University of Rio Grande (Ohio) on Tuesday, August 28, falling 2-1 on a hot and muggy day in Ohio.
Lawrence Tech (2-1) played the Red Storm strong in the first half as Rebecca Almandoz (SO/Palmiste, San Fernando, Trinid) made three saves in the opening 17 minutes. The Blue Devils had their opportunities as well, but Rio Grande was able to defend their goal well. Almandoz finished the game with nine saves.
Rio Grande (2-1) were the first to score with a goal in the 30th minute to take a 1-0 lead. Lawrence Tech responded less than two minutes later as Madison Bologna (FR/Macomb, Mich.) took a Sidney McClay (FR/Romeo, Mich.) pass to the back of the net to tie it up at 1-1. The goal was Bologna's first goal of her collegiate career.
The Blue Devils continued to put pressure on the Red Storm as Alayne Nyboer (JR/Grandville, Mich.) had a chance 20 seconds later, but Rio Grande's Andrea Vera was able to make the save to keep it tied at one apiece.
Almandoz responded on her end of the field, making a pair of saves in the final 10 minutes of the first half to keep the score tied. In the second, Almandoz continued where she left off, making a save right of the kickoff. The Blue Devils gave up a few shots in the early going and the Red Storm finally got through in the 60th minute to take a 2-1 lead.
Lawrence Tech had their chances in the final 15 minutes as Allexus Barnes took a pair of cornerkicks and had a shot on goal, but Vera made the save to hold onto the one-goal lead. Barnes had one last look in the 87th minute, but the shot went wide as Rio held on for their second win of the season.
Nyboer led the team in shots with four and shots on goal with two while Bologna was a perfect 1-for-1 on shots on goal. McClay recorded one assist and took two shots including one on goal. Payten Davis led the way for Rio Grande, scoring both goals with nine shots - five on goal. Amelia Bragg finished with an assist and two shots on goal.
Lawrence Tech is back on the pitch in three days when they play the first game under the lights in LTU athletic history on Friday, August 31. Opening kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
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