On a cold, windy day that felt more like December than October, it took the Concord Women’s Soccer team a while to warm up.
But by the time they did, their opponents were already too hot to handle.
Wheeling Jesuit scorched Concord for three quick goals and defeated the Mountain Lions 5-2 Sunday afternoon at Anderson Field.
It was Concord’s second straight loss after a four-match winning streak. CU’s record falls to 8-6 overall and 5-3 in the WVIAC.
With Concord missing main middle defender Terri Donnelly, Wheeling Jesuit pressed the attack off the opening kickoff and pinned CU back to its half of the pitch. The Cardinals’ aggressiveness paid off quickly, as Ashley McGinnis worked through the right side of the Mountain Lions’ defense and blasted a 40-yard kick into the back of the net for a 1-0 lead only 3:47 into the match.
WJU’s Kara Houston tallied in another attack against the right side, getting one around Concord goalkeeper Kasey Hildebrand for a 2-0 lead only 14:51 into the half.
McGinnis scored again, off a corner kick, assisted by Hannah Walker, to give the Cardinals a 3-0 lead with 23:49 gone by.
Concord got its first answer from All-American candidate Gemma Nortcliffe.
The junior forward settled a pass from Katie Cuviello and muscled the ball past WJU goalkeeper Jessica Parks to pull Concord within 3-1 with 14:21 remaining before halftime.
Wheeling Jesuit reestablished a three-score advantage after the break. Houston got her second goal, on a counterattack, just 6:29 into the second half.
Injuries had an impact on Concord’s comeback bid. In order, starting midfielder Kate Armentrout, Hildebrand and Nortcliffe had to leave the game. Armentrout and Nortcliffe would return, but Hildebrand could not, and losing three principal players only blunted the Mountain Lions’ momentum.
Jesuit helped itself as well. Parks threw ice water on CU’s hopes when she turned away consecutive shots by Nortcliffe and Nicole Dirnagl with 22:00 to go and the Cardinals still ahead 4-1.
The Cardinals put the game on ice in the closing minutes. Concord pressed deep into the Jesuit half and WJU countered; Houston scored her third goal of the match, assisted by Megan Newrones, with 5:56 to go.
The pace of play quickened after that, and Concord’s Kelsey Ballard closed out the scoring, assisted by Nortcliffe, with 3:24 remaining.
Concord plays its final regular season home match of the season next Wednesday afternoon, against the University of Charleston. Kickoff is at 2:00 pm at Anderson Field.