Sunday afternoon at North Athletic Complex started with sloppy weather, but it definitely did not end with sloppy play by the Robert Morris University women’s soccer team. The Colonials defeated Canisius College 4-1, which was led by three goals in the first twelve minutes of the contest. Robert Morris moves to 2-5 on the season while the Golden Griffins fall to 2-5-2.

Despite the early rain, Robert Morris found many ways to slice through Canisius’ defense. The first opportunity came in just the second minute and would have resulted in a Colonial goal, but an offside call reversed the excitement. However, it did not take long for another chance to present itself, as a minute later Kristie Hamilton found Antonia Grese who hit the back-right side of the net to give Robert Morris a 1-0 lead.

The Colonials continued the quick start by executing in the eleventh and twelfth minutes. The first, Kasia Bak assisting Cassie Raymond for her first goal of the season. Then followed by an easy shot from Madison Kozlowski who was helped by Hamilton.

The only goal allowed by the Colonial defense arrived in the 44th minute in what Robert Morris head coach John Kowalski described as a weather miscue. “Two players slipped…and the shot slipped under the goalkeeper,” stated Kowalski.

In the second half, the Colonials sealed the game with good defensive movement and also Hamilton’s third assist on Raymond’s second goal of the game coming in the 57th minute.

Robert Morris scored four goals on just nine shots. Kowalski said about the effeciency his offense showed, “I don’t think too many of the shots were dangerous shots.” Canisius finished converted just one of 14 shots.

Chelsea de Jager earned the start at goalie for Robert Morris and allowed one goal on five shots in the first half. Serena Donmoyer did an excellent job in relief of de Jager by shutting out the Golden Griffins on nine second-half shots.

Corner kicks were not a problem Sunday afternoon for the Colonials and luckily so, as Canisius held a 7-3 advantage in this category.

Robert Morris’ offensive production was censored by three goals taken off of the board to offside calls.

Kowalski talked about the upcoming Mountain Classic that his squad is participating in. “Two different teams that we are going to play in an altitude of over 7,000 ft….so we won’t be able to play the running game, so we have to take advantage of ball possession.”

Robert Morris will be on the road next on Sept. 18 at 6 pm against Grand Canyon University in Flagstaff, Az. This is the first game of the Mountain Classic for the Colonials.