Women’s Soccer draws EMU 1-1 on rainy Thursday

Forced to play from behind after conceding yet another early goal, UB Women’s Soccer evened tonight’s match against EMU midway through the first half and then played the visiting Eagles to a 1-1 draw over the final 85 minutes.

UB was on the front foot for long stretches after Moira Petrie’s second goal of the season rattled in off the crossbar, but never had wildly dangerous chances even as Julia Benati returned to the lineup.

A soggy day in Western New York — nearly half an inch has already fallen in Buffalo today before a rainy weekend forecast — led to unpolished football, as UB’s passing was a touch off for much of the night and neither team looked particularly dangerous in space. Combined with a referee who seemed a little more willing to preserve game flow and it wasn’t a stellar display from either squad after the half.

Laura Dougall made seven saves and Carissima Cutrona led all players with three shots on the evening. Benati did not leave the pitch after subbing in in the 19th minute, and appears fit and healthy after nearly a month away from game action.

Coach Burke postgame, speaking to ubbulls.com, acknowledged both that this one feels like a missed opportunity and was a tough one to win given the conditions. The Bulls should still be in OK position to make the MAC Tournament, but I believe Bowling Green is going to jump someone, and the Falcons like UB finish the season with three at home. With CMU coming to town Sunday, a result would go a long way in keeping the pressure off the team in the season finale against Akron.

We’ll have more on the end of the season scenarios this coming week.