WILKES-BARRE, PA (October 23, 2021) -- The King's College women's soccer team had a strong defensive performance on Saturday evening at McCarthy Stadium but a 59th minute goal on a penalty kick gave the visiting Knights of Arcadia University a 1-0 victory over the Monarchs.

The Monarchs, who honored their seniors prior to kickoff, put together their second strong performance of the week as they controlled possession 57% of the match. The Knights took the first shot of the match in the 15th minute as Morgan Giordano sent a ball in towards goal that Tara Bender made easy work of saving. A couple minutes later, Lauren Chapple hit the right post nearly giving KC the early lead.

Bender had an excellent performance in the first half stopping six shots as AU outshot the Monarchs 8-2 in the first 45 minutes. The Knights controlled possession 52% of the time during the first half. Early in the second half King's was called for a foul in the box setting up a penalty kick for the Knights. Kira Bochard stepped up and sent the kick into the lower left for her eighth goal of the year.

The Monarchs responded valiantly putting pressure on the Knight defense as they pressed for the equalizer. Angelina Falcone sent a shot in on goal in the 59th minute that was saved by Gabby Green. A minute later, Gabriella Porchetta had her attempt blocked by an AU defender. In the 66th minute Hailey Shillabeer sent a shot that just missed wide left. Grace Conover nearly tied things up in the 80th minute but once again Green was there to stop the ball from going into the back of the net. King's pressed the Arcadia defense and had one final shot in the final minute of play by Porchetta that was blocked by the AU defense and sent away from goal.

Bender finished with seven saves. King's had a 5-3 advantage in corner kicks while Arcadia had a 12-8 shot advantage.

The Monarchs will return to the pitch on Tuesday when they renew their rivalry with Lycoming College. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 pm at UPMC Field at Shangraw Athletic Complex in Williamsport.