KALAMAZOO, Mich. – In a match that looked as if it were headed for extra time, the Kalamazoo College women's soccer team fell 1-0 to nationally ranked Chicago in the waning minutes Thursday afternoon at MacKenzie Field.

"I was pleased with our intensity in what was a very difficult game," head coach Bryan Goyings said. "Our backline, especially Allie Brodsky and Sarah George, made it very difficult to generate good scoring chances for the opponent."

After a physical and back-and-forth first half which saw 13 fouls called by the referee, the two teams remained deadlocked at halftime.

In the midst of more physical play in the second half, a sustained spell of pressure from Chicago with less than ten minutes remaining ultimately gave the Maroons the goal they were looking for.

Earning two corner kicks in a row, Chicago's Kelsey Moore connected on the second corner from Mia Calamari with her head and sent the ball past Grace Smith for the definitive lead.

"A late goal off a set piece is never an easy way to lose," Goyings said. "I look forward to our response this weekend. The challenge will be bringing the intensity of the past two games to MIAA play."

Offensively for Kalamazoo, Julie Zabik provided a spark as a substitute taking three shots in the first half alone. George, who spent time on the backline and in midfield, also ended the afternoon with three shots.

Smith recorded seven saves in goal for K.

The Hornets resume MIAA action this Saturday when they travel to Trine for a noon kickoff. Kalamazoo opened conference play with a tie against Hope Tuesday night.