The women's soccer team, ranked No. 18 by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, put its new ranking in danger as the Judges suffered their first defeat of the season at Springfield College last Saturday, falling 2-0. Despite similar numbers in shots, corners saves and possession, Brandeis found itself on the losing side of the match.

"I actually think we controlled most of the game despite a couple breakdowns," midfielder Mimi Theodore '12 said. "We played some great soccer [for] the first 20 minutes of the game and controlled a majority of the second. We just could not seem to find the back of net despite some great efforts."

The Judges came out flat and were outshot by Springfield 7-1 in the first half. Springfield's first goal came in the 26th minute, when senior forward and captain Katie Mantie lifted a shot over goalie Francine Kofinas '13. She was assisted by her cocaptain, senior Jackie Moscardelli. The Judges were still in the game thanks to three first-half saves by Kofinas, but Brandeis did not produce a first-half shot on goal.

In the second half, Brandeis came out shooting but simply could not find the back of the net despite taking 10 shots, including two from forward Hilary Andrews '14 and another two from midfielder Mary Shimko '14.

"We did find the goal but did not finish well; their goalkeeper had a great game," coach Denise Dallamora said. "It was very evenly matched, but that is what the score line showed."

Instead, it was Springfield who added the sole goal of the second half. Senior Jenelle Jahoda hit a cross into the box in the 59th minute that was headed home by Moscardelli. The Judges, however, did not fold and kept pushing. Midfielder Sapir Edalati '15 recorded three shots in the final 21 minutes, but Springfield junior goalie Erin Greenstein had five second-half saves and an altogether impressive outing.

"Springfield's goalie was really good; she was aggressive and really controlled her box, especially during corner kicks," Theodore said. "When we had an offensive threat, we did not challenge her much; a lot of our shots were right at her or over the goal, making her job that much easier."

Although the squad dropped such a close game, Theodore said that the team was pleased with how they have fared during the first three matches of the season.

"We have been playing some really great soccer, and hopefully with each game and practice we increase our level of play so by the time UAA competition comes around, we are ready to make a strong run that will help us get an NCAA bid," said Theodore.

Still, Dallamora said that the team has plenty of room to improve.

"We needed to play better defense, not allow the crosses and defend better than we did," she said.

The Judges are next in action at home against Bridgewater State University. They take on the Bears tomorrow at 7 p.m.