TSC Maryland Pride falls to Philadelphia 2-1

Philadelphia Liberty midfielder Mandy Moraca scored in the 23rd minute and they went on to hand the TSC Maryland Pride its first loss of the season, 2-1 on Saturday.

Moraca split the Pride (1-1-1) back line off the dribble and sent a low ball past goalkeeper Jocelyn Papciak from 8 yards out, giving her team a lead they never relinquished.

Papciak made several outstanding saves throughout the match, but was unable to withstand the Philadelphia (1-0-0) attack, which logged 13 total shots on goal.

The Liberty wasted no time attacking the TSC goal when a through ball found midfielder Whitney Weinraub on the left side in the sixth minute. From seven yards out, she was stonewalled by Papciak on an attempt at the far post – the first of her 11 saves.

The rising Towson University sophomore stood tall again in the 17th and 19th minute, stopping forward Regina Villari on two breakaways before Moraca finally struck.

The Liberty made the score 2-0 in the 82nd minute, when defender Kelly Rowland headed a corner kick just under the crossbar, for what would be the eventual game-winning goal.

The Pride got one back in the 83rd minute on Anabel Jimenez\'s penalty kick, but couldn\'t find the net again to equalize.

Jimenez, a former American University Eagle, has two of the Pride\'s four goals this season – both on penalties.

Defender Danielle Malagari came close to evening the score at one in the 26th minute on a free kick from 30 yards out which Liberty goalkeeper Katie Frey deflected off the crossbar. Frey finished the game with three saves.

Aside from the penalty kick, TSC\'s best chance of the day arguably came in the 63rd minute when midfielder Jerica DeWolfe found Sara Tankard at the top of the box. Tankard took a touch in before shooting, but couldn\'t strike the ball cleanly and sent it wide of the goal.

TSC will look to even the season series when the two teams will meet again in Philadelphia on July 4.

In the meantime, head coach Steve Knapman and the Pride are focused on getting back on top of the WPSL East table with a win on Saturday against the New York Athletic Club.