UTICA, N.Y. – The Union College women's soccer team jumped out to an early one-goal lead but it would not hold, as the Garnet Chargers suffered a 2-1 non-conference loss to Utica University on Friday night at Casamento Field.
 
Sophomore Alayna Boileau scored the lone goal of the game for Union (2-2-1), giving the visitors the lead in the 20th minute. The Garnet Chargers posted a 6-2 edge in shots over the opening 45 minutes, keeping Utica (4-2-0) without a shot on goal in the first half.
 
The Pioneers wasted little time knotting the score in the second half, finding the net exactly three minutes in on a Kayla Giovingo tally. Both teams had chances after that, but it was the Pioneers that cashed in in the 83rd minute when Kaela Mochak scored to put the home team ahead for good.
 
First-year Maya Koster got the start and played the entire 90 minutes, making two saves and allowing both Utica goals. Courtney Connolly made three saves to earn the win for Utica.
 
Union will begin Liberty League play next week, beginning with a Tuesday afternoon matchup against St. Lawrence University at 4 p.m. at College Park Field.