WEST CHESTER, Pa. – The Thomas Jefferson University women's soccer team suffered a season-opening 4-1 loss to 16^th-ranked West Chester on Thursday.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Golden Rams produced some early pressure and recorded a pair of shots in the opening 11 minutes, one of which had to be stopped by Jefferson goalkeeper Jaclyn Martino. The Rams countered and Abby Lytle blasted a loose ball in the box into the upper left corner for a 1-0 Jefferson lead in the 13^th minute.
 
The Rams' advantage lasted just five minutes as West Chester responded with a high arcing shot from 25 yards that eluded Martino to even the score. The Golden Rams controlled the rest of the first half, outshooting Jefferson 9-2 from that point, but the teams remained level at the intermission.
 
In the second period, WCU needed just 26 seconds to seize the lead, capitalizing on a Rams' turnover and finding the right side of the cage with space in the box for a 2-1 edge. The West Chester defense continued to frustrate Jefferson as the Rams could only produce one shot in the half. The Golden Rams potted a pair of insurance goals in quick fashion with the tallies coming in 64^th and 66^th minutes respectively.
 
INSIDE THE BOXSCORE
Shots: West Chester, 28-5
Shots on Goal: West Chester, 16-3
Saves: Jefferson 12-2
Corner Kicks: West Chester, 6-2
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Abby Lytle: 1 goal (first collegiate goal)
Jaclyn Martino: 12 saves (career high)
 
NOTES
- It was the Rams' first loss in a season opener since 2019.
- Jefferson's struggles against West Chester continued as the Golden Rams have won five straight meetings and have not lost in the last seven.
- The Rams' five shots is their lowest since registering four versus Saint Rose on September 5, 2021.
 
UP NEXT
Jefferson opens its home slate on Saturday, August 27^th at 12 p.m. against Millersville.