Washington, D.C. — The Catholic University women's soccer team dropped a tight match to Salisbury on Saturday afternoon. 

Both teams carried identical 3-1-1 records into the affair and the match reflected that of two evenly-matched sides. It was a cagey contest that saw neither team create many clear-cut chances.

Each set of coaches handed goalkeepers their first respective starts of the season. Sophomore Ava Rieger got the nod after recovering from an injury that had been keeping her out since the beginning of the season. Between the posts for Salisbury, freshman Hayle Foreman earned her first collegiate start.

Compact play was the story of the first half. Salisbury fired the first three shots of the game toward Rieger's net, forcing the sophomore to make her first save of the match in the 10th minute. Each goalkeeper had to make one additional save in the opening stanza.

The second half proved to be more open as both teams played more expansively. The breakthrough came for Salisbury 10 minutes after the break, when Ava Wheeler produced a brilliant bit of quality, curving a stunning ball behind the retreating Catholic defense. Ashley Pantano took one touch to steady herself at the back post and made no mistake, finishing past Rieger for 1-0.

Casey Sommers' side pushed for the equalizer, creating its best chance of the contest in the 61st minute. After great work by Lauren Cerda to fight for and keep possession, winger Ava Gregorio was sprung through via a well-weighted through ball. She had a clear sight at goal but pushed her shot wide of the on-rushing Foreman's far post.

Although the game remained open and the Cardinals held sustained possession in the final 10 minutes, they were never able to carve out another clear opportunity.

The match was not without positives for Catholic, as Rieger's return from injury offers a boost while freshman Alex Berish was immense in defense. The center back seemed to be everywhere on the pitch, putting herself about and winning virtually every challenge she attempted. Sam Cesario also showed well in the back line.

Catholic will now hit the road for a midweek match-up against St. Mary's (Md.). The Cardinals will battle the Seahawks at Jamie L. Roberts Stadium on Wednesday night at 7 p.m.