The ACPHS Women's Soccer team opened up their 2019 campaign with a draw and a loss this past weekend, tying Johnson and Wales (NC) 1-1 on Saturday before falling to Southern Maine Community College 1-0 on Sunday.

In their opening game of the season, Albany absorbed some early pressure before jumping out to a 1-0 lead. Junior goalkeeper Gabriella Evangelista was brought into action in the 8^th minute, when Wildcat midfielder Nya Hill was released behind the ACPHS defense. The junior rushed out and smothered the ball for Hill was able to get a shot away, keeping the game scoreless.

The Panthers got their opener in the 18^th minute, after freshman forward Mayle Lupia-Eannace went on blistering attacking run but was fouled just outside the box. Junior defender Emily Linehan, the team's resident free-kick taker, deposited the ensuing opportunity just over JWU keeper Jah'Asia Pernell outstretched arms for the team's first goal of the year.

The Panthers did well to preserve their lead after their opening goal until the 36^th minute, when Johnson & Wales forward Jaeden Smith found her way behind the Panther defense and slotted home for the equalizer. The teams would go into the break level at one, with everything to play for in the second half.

The second half was just as back and forth as the first, with the Panthers gaining more possession but unable to unlock the Wildcat defense. During the second 45 minutes, both teams would rock the post, but neither would find a second goal, sending the game into overtime.

It was more of the same in the extra two periods, as both teams wore down and settled for a draw after a hard-fought 110-minute contest. JWU edged ACPHS in shots 11-10, forcing Evangelista into five saves.

Sunday's game against Southern Maine was a heartbreaker for the Panthers, as they defended resolutely for 87 minutes before the Seawolves' Callie O' Brien netted the game's only goal. SMCC peppered the Albany goal with 17 shots on net in total, with Evangelista once again standing out with 16 saves.

The Panthers get a bit of a break before they get another shot at their first win of the year, as they will wait until Saturday, September 14^th before traveling to Bryant & Stratton College to take on the Bobcats at 1:00 PM.