The Lancaster Bible College Women's Soccer team opened United East Conference play this Saturday with a matchup with the Penn St. Berks Lions on homecoming weekend. The Chargers looked for a strong start to United East play and a good win for the homecoming crowd. Despite a hard-fought defensive game, the Chargers lost in the final minutes 2-1. The Chargers drop to 1-2-4 on the season and start conference play 0-1, the Lions increase to 2-6-1 and start conference play 1-0. 

How It Happened: Both the Chargers and the Lions looked for their opportunities to strike first, but the first half was highlighted by great defense. Chargers' freshman goalkeeper Carissa Mulder made some great saves talling three in the first half to hold off any Lions shot attempts. The Chargers also got several good looks to end the half but weren't able to convert heading to halftime tied at 0-0. 

The Chargers looked to start the second half with more offensive momentum. Both teams still were able to show solid defensive play for the first 20 minutes of the half. It wasn't until the 70th minute that the game saw its first goal scored by junior Janae Bergey, as she dribbled into a shot that was placed just outside the goalies outstretched hands. While the Chargers managed to take the lead with only 20-minutes to play, the Lions responded quickly off a penalty kick which was a result of a foul off a corner in the box. 

Even at 1-1, it was a scramble to end the game as both teams looked for that final opportunity to take the lead. In a game that looked like it was bound for a tie, the Lions were able to score with only five minutes left. The Chargers were unable to answer back and fell to the Lions 2-1. 

From the Coach: "I know the ending was disappointing today, but we have to be pleased with most of what we saw," said Head Coach Jake Warren. "We created plenty of chances and locked in defensively. But now we have to learn how to win some of these games. We'll bounce back and be ready Wednesday for another big home game."

By the Numbers: The Chargers led in shots 18 to the Lions 16... the Lions had 8 corners, and the Chargers had 3... the Chargers had 9 saves, and the Lions had 7... the Chargers had more fouls 8-5... Bergey was the Chargers lone goal scorer with 1. 

Up Next: The Chargers stay at home for their next game hosting conference opponent Cairn on Wednesday, October 2nd at 5:00 p.m.