By Jordan Smith
PointParkSports.com

PITTSBURGH, Pa. -- Point Park University women's soccer opened its season Friday night with a 2-0 loss to Goshen (Ind.) College in an NAIA non-conference game. The contest was played at the home of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds at Highmark Stadium located in the South Side of Pittsburgh.

The Pioneers (0-1), who were 8-6 last season, were unable to get behind the defense and score one past the Maple Leafs (2-0). Point Park put up seven shots, but only one was a shot on goal. The Maple Leafs totaled 13 shots with only three on goal, but they made them count. Goshen College's Amy Drew was the hero of the game with two first-half goals to provide the difference.

Point Park had many players making their college debut. The Pioneers started seven freshmen along with three sophomores and senior. Point Park had 18 players see action Friday night for second-year head coach John Newbery.

In the 14th minute, Drew took a shot from outside the box that deflected off a Point Park defender and found its way into the net. Five minutes before the half, Drew found herself open for a shot about 30 yards out and shot the ball off the post and in for a 2-0 lead.

Point Park gets right back to action less than 24 hours later on Saturday August 28 versus NAIA No. 14-ranked Grace (Ind.) College at Highmark Stadium. The Pioneers will be tested with some tough opponents outside the River States Conferece in the early part of the year.