SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – The University of New Haven women's soccer team was on the short side of a 2-1 decision on Wednesday evening at American International. Amber Simms (Southport, England/Southport) netted her fourth goal of the season in the Northeast-10 contest under the lights in Springfield.
 
After the loss, the Chargers stand at 3-6-0 overall and 2-4-0 in NE-10 play. The Yellow Jackets, who reached the NCAA Division II National Semifinals last fall, improve to 2-5-1 on the season with a 2-3-1 conference mark.
 
Simms' goal came in the 53rd minute to knot the match at 1-1. Danielle Widmann (East Meadow, N.Y./East Meadow) connected with her senior captain to pick up the assist. Simms improved her team-leading total to 10 points (4 goals, 2 assists), while Widmann recorded her first assist and third point of the fall.
 
American International started the scoring in the 39th minute on a goal from Alyssa Werbicki assisted by Romina Bell. Following Simms' equalizer, the Yellow Jackets netted the game-winner in the 80th minute on a bending free kick off the foot of Bell from 30 yards out.
 
Deandra Nash (Deer Park, N.Y./Deer Park) and Natasha Purchla (Oakdale, N.Y./Connetquot) split the work in goal for the Chargers, each ceding one goal. Purchla made four second-half saves for the Blue and Gold.
 
The hosts also used a pair of keepers. Samantha Tabak did not face a shot on target in the first half, and Samantha Webber allowed one goal and made one save after the intermission.
 
The Chargers continue NE-10 play on Kayo Field on Saturday, Oct. 4 with a 1 p.m. visit from Merrimack. The contest will be broadcast live in high definition and free of charge on NewHavenChargers.com.