The 17th-ranked William Smith soccer team dropped a 1-0 decision to 22nd-ranked Rochester on Wednesday night at Edwin Fauver Stadium.
Eileen Harvey scored in the 18th minute for Rochester, and the Yellowjackets made the goal stand as William Smith struggled to generate consistent scoring chances.
Antonia Goerke kept the Herons within one throughout the match. The senior goalkeeper made eight saves over 90 minutes, including several key stops during a strong stretch by Rochester in the opening half.
Goerke made a point-blank save on Sydney Holmes in the 15th minute before punching away another Rochester attempt moments later. In the 22nd minute, she made a diving stop on Maya Bravo’s low shot that was headed toward the left post.
Rochester finished with a 20-6 advantage in shots, including a 12-3 edge in the first half. William Smith did create several opportunities after halftime, however.
Just 11 seconds into the second half, Aleena Solano intercepted a back pass and broke toward goal before sending her shot over the crossbar. Solano later hit a shot off a Rochester defender and the right post in the 65th minute before having another attempt denied by goalkeeper Eleni McGuire on the ensuing corner kick.
Brynn Schneider also had a chance in the 79th minute, but her shot from inside the penalty area was blocked.
William Smith held a 5-3 advantage in corner kicks, including a 4-1 edge after halftime, but could not find the equalizer.
The loss dropped the Herons to 4-3-0 on the season, while Rochester remained unbeaten at 7-0-0.
William Smith opens Liberty League play Saturday against Bard in Annandale-on-Hudson. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.