WORCESTER, Mass. – The Union College women's soccer team fell 1-0 in its season opener Friday night against Worcester Polytechnic Institute at H. Carr Field at Alumni Stadium.  

WPI came out strong outshooting the Garnet Chargers 7-3, with several opportunities coming off corner kicks. Although outshot, the Garnet Chargers had a chance at the eighth-minute mark with a goal called off due to offsides. 

The game remained scoreless in the first half with Union sophomore goalkeeper Maya Koster making three saves off of seven WPI chances, and WPI's goalkeeper Lili Hellerman saving one shot.  

In the second half, Union made a goalie switch with junior Rachel Berliner stepping in net for Koster. 

At the 64-minute mark, WPI stopped a Union corner kick opportunity with Hellerman saving a shot from sophomore Hannah Sams. The Engineers struck in the 78th minute with the game-winning goal when Fiona Prendergast crossed the ball to Abigail Johnson, who found the back of the net.  

WPI concluded the game with 13 shots to Union's six. Koster and Hellerman both finished with five saves, while Berliner finished with two.   

The Garnet Chargers return to action on Thursday when they travel to Northampton, Mass., for a 4 p.m. non-conference matchup versus Smith College.