Betzael Contreras Scores Winner as Loyola Women’s Soccer Shuts Out Colgate 1-0
By Brian Hradsky
October 23, 2026
The Loyola University Maryland women’s soccer team earned an important Patriot League road victory Saturday, October 17, defeating the Colgate Raiders 1-0 at Beyer-Small Field in Hamilton, New York. Betzael Contreras scored the decisive goal in the 56th minute, converting a pass from Savannah Manset to give the Greyhounds their third conference victory of the season. Goalkeeper Hannah Goetzer delivered an outstanding performance with five saves, preserving the shutout despite Colgate generating 17 shots. The victory improved Loyola to 3-2-9 overall and 3-1-2 in Patriot League competition, while Colgate fell to 2-11-2 overall and 1-5 in conference play.
Colgate Controls Early Possession but Loyola Holds Strong
The Raiders established offensive pressure during the opening half, attempting to use their home-field advantage to create scoring opportunities. Colgate generated eight shots during the first 45 minutes, forcing Loyola to spend significant time defending its own penalty area. The Greyhounds struggled to establish sustained offensive possession but remained organized defensively. Goetzer provided the stability necessary to keep the contest scoreless.
Colgate’s attacking opportunities included attempts from Molly Richards, Josie Tunney and Bianca Howitt, who challenged Loyola’s defensive formation. Howitt produced one of the most dangerous first-half opportunities during the closing minutes, but Goetzer prevented the Raiders from converting. The Loyola goalkeeper recorded four saves before halftime, repeatedly denying Colgate’s attempts to establish an advantage. Her performance allowed the Greyhounds to remain competitive despite generating only three first-half shots.
Loyola briefly appeared to break through shortly before halftime when the Greyhounds put the ball into the net. However, officials reviewed the play and disallowed the goal because of an offside infraction. The decision preserved the scoreless tie and prevented Loyola from taking a late first-half advantage. Both teams entered halftime searching for the breakthrough that would determine the contest.
Contreras Delivers Decisive Goal in 56th Minute
Loyola finally broke through at 55:26 when Manset created an opportunity with an impressive attacking run along the sideline. Manset advanced into a dangerous position before delivering a low cross into the penalty area. Contreras timed her movement perfectly and connected with the pass, directing a first-time shot into the lower-left corner of the net. The goal gave the Greyhounds a 1-0 advantage and completely changed the momentum of the contest.
The goal was Contreras’ second of the season and her second in consecutive matches, demonstrating her growing importance to Loyola’s offensive production. Her ability to capitalize on one of the team’s limited scoring opportunities proved especially valuable against a Colgate side that controlled much of the possession. Contreras finished with two shots, including one on target, and played 59 minutes. Her decisive finish provided the difference in a match where Loyola generated only eight total attempts.
Manset also deserves considerable recognition for creating the opportunity through her individual effort. The forward finished with two shots and one assist while contributing 63 minutes to Loyola’s attack. Her ability to advance along the sideline and deliver an accurate pass demonstrated the importance of effective counterattacking play. The combination of Manset’s creativity and Contreras’ finishing allowed the Greyhounds to capitalize despite Colgate’s statistical advantages.
Goetzer Preserves Shutout With Five Saves
Goetzer delivered one of the most important individual performances of the afternoon, playing all 90 minutes and stopping each of Colgate’s five shots on goal. Four of those saves came during the opening half when the Raiders controlled much of the offensive action. Her positioning and ability to respond to dangerous opportunities prevented Loyola from falling behind before Contreras scored. The shutout provided the foundation for the Greyhounds’ narrow victory.
The goalkeeper received important support from Loyola’s defensive unit, which remained organized despite facing 17 shots. Francesca Curatolo, Geneve Pouliot and Kaleigh Darby each played the full 90 minutes, helping protect the Greyhounds’ advantage. Their contributions were particularly important during the final stages as Colgate increased its attacking pressure. Loyola’s defensive discipline allowed the team to preserve the lead without requiring another goal.
Goetzer’s performance also demonstrated the importance of reliable goalkeeping during conference competition. Loyola had opportunities to concede against an opponent that controlled 58 percent of possession, but its goalkeeper repeatedly responded when challenged. The Greyhounds needed every one of her five saves to maintain their advantage. Her clean sheet was essential to securing three points away from Baltimore.
Colgate Threatens During Final Minutes
The Raiders continued pressing for an equalizer after Contreras gave Loyola the lead. Richards created another opportunity during the 66th minute, but her attempt from outside the penalty area sailed over the crossbar. Colgate maintained possession and attempted to create openings against a Loyola defense increasingly focused on protecting its advantage. The Greyhounds responded by remaining compact and limiting clear scoring chances.
Colgate made one final push during the closing minutes, generating the final four shots of the match. Kaya Sather had an attempt blocked inside the penalty area before Jocelyn Rowe collected the rebound and sent a shot narrowly wide of the goal. The sequence represented one of the Raiders’ final opportunities to salvage a draw. Loyola survived the late pressure and completed the 1-0 victory.
The closing minutes highlighted the defensive resilience that allowed the Greyhounds to overcome Colgate’s statistical advantages. Loyola did not dominate possession or generate the most scoring opportunities, but it converted its decisive chance and prevented the Raiders from responding. The result demonstrated that disciplined defending and efficient finishing can overcome significant differences in offensive production. The Greyhounds departed Hamilton with another important conference victory.
Greyhounds Overcome Significant Statistical Disadvantages
Colgate finished with a 17-8 advantage in total shots and placed five attempts on goal compared with three for Loyola. The Raiders also earned five corner kicks while the Greyhounds generated four, creating additional opportunities through set pieces. Colgate controlled approximately 58 percent of possession, forcing Loyola to spend extended stretches without the ball. However, those advantages did not translate into a goal.
The Greyhounds demonstrated greater efficiency with their limited scoring opportunities. Contreras converted one of Loyola’s three shots on target, while Colgate failed to capitalize on any of its five attempts on goal. Goetzer’s performance helped explain the difference, as the goalkeeper repeatedly prevented the Raiders from finishing their chances. Loyola also received important defensive contributions from players who blocked shots and disrupted attacking sequences.
Taryn Buckley provided additional offensive activity off the bench, recording two shots with one on target during 34 minutes. Leah Carter also placed one attempt on goal, while Eva McGorian contributed another shot. Those opportunities helped prevent Colgate from concentrating exclusively on attacking throughout the contest. Loyola’s offensive contributions were limited but sufficient to secure the victory.
Victory Strengthens Loyola’s Patriot League Position
The win improved Loyola’s conference record to 3-1-2, giving the Greyhounds 11 points through six Patriot League matches. That total provides an encouraging foundation as the team approaches the final portion of its regular-season schedule. Loyola has recorded nine draws overall, demonstrating its ability to remain competitive in close contests despite struggling to turn several opportunities into victories. Saturday’s result showed the importance of converting narrow matches into three-point results.
The victory was particularly meaningful because it came on the road against a conference opponent that generated substantial offensive pressure. Loyola demonstrated patience and composure while defending throughout much of the afternoon. The Greyhounds also capitalized on their best attacking opportunity, something that has been difficult during portions of the season. Their ability to secure the result provides momentum heading into another important conference matchup.
Loyola Prepares for Road Match Against Lafayette
The Greyhounds will return to action Saturday, October 24, when they travel to Easton, Pennsylvania, to face Lafayette. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m., with the contest available through ESPN+. The matchup provides another opportunity for Loyola to strengthen its position in the Patriot League standings. Maintaining the defensive consistency demonstrated against Colgate will be important as the regular season approaches its conclusion.
Loyola will also look for continued offensive contributions from Contreras and Manset after their decisive combination Saturday. The Greyhounds have demonstrated that they can compete in close matches, but generating more scoring opportunities would reduce the pressure on their defensive unit. Improved possession and attacking efficiency could help the team establish greater control against upcoming opponents. The coaching staff will look to build on the confidence gained from the road shutout.
MSB Take
Loyola’s 1-0 victory over Colgate was an impressive example of finding a way to win despite facing considerable offensive pressure. The Greyhounds were outshot 17-8 and controlled only 42 percent of possession, but they remained organized defensively and capitalized on their most important scoring opportunity. Contreras deserves considerable recognition for delivering the winning goal, particularly after scoring in consecutive matches. Manset’s excellent attacking run and assist also demonstrated the value of having players capable of creating opportunities through individual effort.
Goetzer was arguably Loyola’s most important contributor because her five saves prevented Colgate from taking control during the opening half. The goalkeeper repeatedly responded when challenged, while Curatolo, Pouliot and Darby provided important defensive stability. The late sequence in which Colgate generated several attempts demonstrated how difficult protecting a one-goal lead can become. Loyola deserves credit for maintaining its composure and completing the shutout.
The biggest concern remains the Greyhounds’ inability to consistently control possession and generate scoring opportunities. Colgate produced more than twice as many shots, and Loyola needed a strong defensive performance to preserve the victory. That approach can produce results, but the Greyhounds would benefit from more consistent offensive pressure against stronger conference opponents. Nevertheless, securing three points on the road provides valuable momentum as Loyola continues pursuing a favorable position in the Patriot League standings.
