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NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- In a defensive struggle between two teams very familiar with each other, Virginia Wesleyan (2-2-0) pulled out a win over the 11th-ranked Christopher Newport women's soccer team, giving up a late goal to the Marlins. The Captains suffered their first setback of the season, dropping to 4-1-0 on the year, despite a strong effort from junior goalkeeper Carly Maglio, making five saves. 

Just one day after earning their first NSCAA national ranking since 2007, the Captains stumbled against their cross-water rivals in a game with limited offensive action. Both defenses came into the game with solid plans for the opposition, evidenced by just one shot on-goal in the first half. 

The second half would see the Marlins look to take control early, pressuring Maglio  from the outset. About 13 minutes into the second stanza, Catherine Galway got loose down the left side and sprinted into the box. Facing a one-on-one opportunity, the Captains' keeper cut off her angle and made a stellar save against the dangerous Marlin attacker. 

Moments later, the CNU counter-attack would open up one of the best chances the team had all night. Shaye Doherty played a ball into the corner for senior Victoria Perry, who crossed a nice ball into the box for rookie Angie Williams. The first-year got her body on the ball, but without enough pace, the Virginia Wesleyan keeper was able to keep the ball out of the goal. 

CNU then was denied by their own goal posts with just under 11 minutes remaining. Rookie midfielder Sydney Rife delivered a low cross into the box, where Perry got a foot on the ball, directing it toward the goal. The ball bounced twice before glancing off the left post and trickled back across the goal mouth. Before a second attempt, the Marlins' goalkeeper covered to avoid the go-ahead goal. 

Action again favored the Marlins late in the half, when senior Annie Hartman drilled a 30-yard attempt on frame, but again Maglio stoned the shot. Then, just a minute later, she was forced to make another sensational stop when rookie Ryan McCurry was open in the box and punched an arcing shot toward the left corner. Maglio tracked the shot, leaped and made the diving stop. 

Despite her best efforts, however, the Captains would give up the gamewinner with just over two minutes remaining.  Hartman slipped a through ball down the middle of the CNU defense, finding Marli Hayward sprinting toward the open look. With just Maglio to beat, Hayward delivered a low bouncer into the left side of the goal and the Marlins' bench erupted. 

For the first time this season, CNU was outshot by their opponent, as Virginia Wesleyan held a 10-6 advantage in total attempts. The Marlins also put six of their 10 shots on-goal, while CNU mustered just two attempts on frame. 

The Captains will hit the road for their next two matchups, traveling to Pennyslvania to face DeSales and then on to New Jersey to take on Rutgers-Newark. The game against DeSales is set for Saturday, September 17 at 2:00 pm.