Cornell women’s soccer saw a strong start slip away Sunday afternoon, as Boston College scored twice late in the second half to defeat the Big Red, 3-1, at Berman Field.
The loss dropped Cornell to 1-1-0 on the season, while Boston College improved to 3-0-0. The match began more than an hour later than scheduled because of inclement weather.
Cornell struck first in the 11th minute when senior midfielder and co-captain Emily Gibbons finished a corner kick from Raya Leikin. Gibbons’ right-footed shot came after a two-touch sequence and extended her scoring streak to three consecutive matches dating back to last season.
The lead lasted less than two minutes. Boston College’s Nicollette Kiorpes answered with a left-footed finish that found the left post and slipped past freshman goalkeeper Sofia Kerrigan.
Cornell carried much of the momentum into halftime, but the Eagles controlled the match after the break. Boston College outshot the Big Red, 10-1, in the second half.
Kerrigan made an early save on Kiorpes in the 47th minute to keep the match tied. The Eagles eventually broke through in the 75th minute when Kiorpes ran onto a pass from Addison Kalaw and finished into the bottom-left corner.
Boston College added another goal four minutes later when Amalia Dray converted a penalty kick, putting the Eagles in control.
Kerrigan finished with two saves, while Boston College goalkeeper Faith Fenwick stopped all four of her shots in the opening half.
Cornell continues its four-match homestand Thursday, August 27, against Lafayette at Berman Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.