SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (October 27, 2026) — The Western New England University women's soccer team saw its late equalizer answered in the final minute Tuesday afternoon, as the Golden Bears fell to the University of Hartford, 2-1, at Suprenant Field.

Records:

• Western New England: 9-7 (5-5 conference)

• University of Hartford: 11-3-1 (8-2 conference)

How It Happened:

First Half

• Hartford applied early pressure, putting three shots on goal in the opening 10 minutes. Western New England goalkeeper Ainsley Napolitano turned aside the first three attempts to keep the contest scoreless.

• Hartford broke through in the 11th minute when Angela Chávez found the net at 10:34 to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.

• The Golden Bears responded with several opportunities of their own. Liza Pinette tested Hartford goalkeeper Madelyn Nunnemacher in the 16th minute, while Meghan Hartnett forced another save shortly after.

• Western New England earned consecutive corner kicks in the 18th and 20th minutes as it looked to find an equalizer.

• Napolitano continued to keep the Golden Bears within reach, making additional saves on attempts from Hartford's Anastasia Nerney and Kathleen Brush. Hartford carried its 1-0 advantage into halftime.

Second Half

• Hartford looked to extend its lead after the break, but Western New England remained within striking distance. Napolitano made saves on attempts by Taylor Freimuth in the 66th and 75th minutes to keep the deficit at one.

• The Golden Bears continued to push forward, and Emma Withington put a shot on target in the 68th minute that was saved by Nunnemacher.

• Western New England broke through in the 80th minute when Pinette took the ball down the pitch and scored with a screamer at 79:41, leveling the match at 1-1 and giving the home side renewed momentum.

• The Golden Bears earned a corner kick in the 82nd minute and continued to seek the go-ahead goal. Withington added another attempt in the 86th minute, but her shot went wide.

• Hartford delivered the decisive blow with 20 seconds remaining. Olivia Fuimara scored at 89:40 off an assist from Nerney, restoring the visitors' lead and securing the 2-1 result.

Key Performances:

• Liza Pinette scored Western New England's lone goal, finishing in the 80th minute to bring the Golden Bears level.

• Ainsley Napolitano recorded seven saves while facing 13 Hartford shots, keeping Western New England in contention throughout the match.

• Meghan Hartnett put both of her shots on goal for the Golden Bears.

• Angela Chávez and Olivia Fuimara scored for Hartford, with Fuimara's late goal proving decisive. Nerney assisted on the game-winner.

• Western New England finished with 10 shots, including five on goal, and three corner kicks. Hartford recorded 13 shots, 10 on goal, and three corner kicks.

Up Next:

Tuesday's contest marked the season finale for the Golden Bears.