Dayton Flyers

Sept. 14, 2008

DAYTON, Ohio -  The University of Dayton suffered a 1-0 loss to Rutgers Sunday at Baujan Field to wrap up one of the toughest weekends in women's college soccer. The Flyers faced off with No. 9 Duke Friday and fell 3-1 to the Blue Devils. The Scarlet Knights (5-1-0) are also receiving national recognition in several polls.

Not only did UD (4-3-0) face off with nationally-recognized Rutgers, they had to deal with the elements. The Flyers played into the 40 mph wind in the first half.

The lone goal of the match was aided by Mother Nature. Scarlet Knight goalkeeper Erin Guthrie corralled the ball and punted it to nearly midfield. The ball took a fortuitous bounce for Rutgers and Ashley Jones finished it cleanly to the right upper 90.

"We just had really bad communication on that goal," UD coach Mike Tucker said. "Our players got caught in no man's land. It was just a mistake and a communication issue. It's kind of unfortunate because I felt like that was their only really great opportunity all game."

Just minutes before the goal was scored, the Flyers pummeled Guthrie with four close-range shots. She made every stop, and was injured on the play. UD's Alli Giner and Mandi Back each had two great opportunities, but were turned away.

"We had two or three more great scoring opportunities than they did," said Tucker. "Their keeper was the player of the game for sure. She had a couple of really great saves."

Guthrie finished with 10 saves, while UD goalkeeper Lisa Rodgers had nine saves in goal.

Rutgers went 2-0 this weekend, downing Ohio State, 1-0, on Friday night.

"We felt like we could have won both games this weekend. We're not happy with our win-loss record right now," said Tucker. "It puts a lot of pressure on how we perform in conference play. Playing these nationally-ranked opponents better prepare us for our conference games."

The Flyers will be on the road next week. The play at regional-rival Wright State on Friday, Sept. 19 at 7:30 p.m. ET and then make their way to Muncie, Ind. where they will take on Ball State Sunday, Sept. 21 at 1 p.m. ET. The following week they kick off conference play against Richmond on Friday, Sept. 26 at Baujan Field.