Despite a promising win against Bryant, the Bulldogs fell 4–0 to Maine on Saturday, registering just one first-half shot and only six shots all game.
Yale (2–9, 0–3 Ivy) was shut out by the Black Bears (8–6, 2–0 America East), even with the positive momentum following the Elis’ first win in seven matches.
“All in all, Maine was a strong opponent,” back Noelle Villa ’16 said. “We stepped up in the first half and stuck to our game plan, but ultimately needed to capitalize [on] the 70 minutes we had.”
In this matchup, however, Yale did not take advantage of its opportunities. Maine outshot the Bulldogs 21–6, with the Bulldogs staying in the game thanks to goalkeeper Heather Schlesier ’15, who recorded eight saves. This was the seventh straight game in which Schlesier stopped at least five shots. Three of the Elis’ shots were by midfielder Carol Middough ’18, who also leads the team in goals this season.
Yale also had just one penalty corner, compared to Maine’s seven.
The game remained scoreless for the first 26 minutes until the Black Bears’ Annabelle Hamilton took advantage of a loose ball in the circle and scored the first goal. Hamilton was honored as an third-team All-American player last season.
“Maine is a strong team,” back Kiwi Comizio ’18 said. “We were able to play very well in the first half, but we definitely could’ve come out stronger in the second half.”
Despite coming back after intermission down by only a single goal, Yale gave up two goals in quick succession as Maine scored twice in a 53-second span. Maine’s Katie Bingle then notched the final goal of the game in the last minute of play.
Yale has had trouble scoring of late. In the last five games, the Elis have not scored in the second half, and they have not scored more than one goal in a game since an overtime loss against Boston University on Sept. 21. The Bulldogs’ last three losses have also been shutouts.
Despite the inability to score, the Bulldogs have been improving, according to players.
“I think we improved many areas of our game from Bryant to Maine and will continue to do so as we move forward in the season,” Comizio said.
The Black Bears are second in their conference and will return to conference play this weekend. Maine’s winning streak has increased to six games, a remarkable turnaround from the five straight losses the team had earlier this season.
Meanwhile, Yale has changed its focus toward the games to come.
“We’re taking this week at practice to focus on strong fundamentals and high support and communication,” Villa said.
The team will play Dartmouth this coming Saturday and Connecticut on Sunday. Yale is the only team in the Ivy League with fewer goals this season than Dartmouth, with just 10 goals compared to 22 on the season for the Big Green.
Connecticut, last year’s NCAA national champions, are currently on a three-game winning streak, defeating Boston University 2–1 in a penalty shootout last night.
“As far as this coming weekend, we’re excited to get back to Ivy League play,” forward Jessie Accurso ’15 said. “We’re looking to capitalize on our opportunities in the circle.”
The Elis will travel north to face the Big Green on Saturday, starting at 2 p.m.