The Louisville women’s soccer team dropped its first contest of the 2024 season, falling 1-0 to Dayton Sunday night at Dr. Mark & Cindy Lynn Stadium. Dayton found the net early in the fourth minute, and despite numerous chances, the Cardinals couldn’t find an equalizer.
Dayton capitalized on a loose ball to open the scoring. Jenna Hallbeck was the first to react after a clearance from the Cardinals, quickly turning and taking a right-footed shot that curved past the Louisville goalkeeper and into the right post. It was the first time Louisville had allowed a shot on goal in the first half this season and their first time trailing in 2024.
The Cardinals almost equalized in the 13th minute. Fina Davy had her initial shot blocked but stayed with the play, leading to a chance for Mackenzie Geigle. Her shot, however, sailed over the crossbar. Two minutes later, Brooke Dardano made a run up the left side and delivered a low cross to Lauryn Contini, whose volley went wide.
Louisville entered halftime trailing 1-0 despite outshooting Dayton 5-3 in the first half, marking their first time trailing at the break this season.
In the second half, Dayton appeared to double their lead with a header off a corner kick in the 53rd minute. However, after a VAR review, the goal was disallowed due to offside. Louisville nearly found their equalizer in the 61st minute when Betsy Huckaby’s volley struck the crossbar.
The Cardinals’ final chance came in the 74th minute when Hadley Snyder sent a cross into the box. Geigle settled the ball and passed to Piper Davidson, who headed it on target, but Dayton’s keeper made the save. Louisville was unable to generate another quality chance, resulting in their first loss of the season.
The Cardinals now turn their focus to ACC play as they hit the road to face Pittsburgh on September 14. The match will be streamed on ACC Network Extra at 7 p.m. ET.
