Senior defender Friederike Engel scored her first goal of the season for the American University women's soccer team, but it was not enough in AU's 2-1 loss at George Washington on Tuesday afternoon.

Engel gave American (0-8) a 1-0 advantage with her 15th minute goal, which came off a Brooke Sheppard corner kick. On the play, Sheppard's feed into the middle bounced once right to the foot of Engel, who fired her lone shot of the match past George Washington goalkeeper Lindsey Rowe.

American held the one-goal lead for a little more than 20 minutes before George Washington (3-3) got even with an Ashley Starks score in the 36th minute of play. The goal came off a scramble in front of the net, as Starks was able to elevate the shot over AU goalkeeper Lindsey Farthing.

The Colonials made the score 2-1 in the 63rd minute as Kristen Slack knocked home what would end up being the game-winner. The play began on a free kick from Michelle Aueron with Slack flicking the shot past Farthing from short range.

AU's best scoring opportunity in the second half came in the 82nd minute when, on a free kick, MacKenzie Kerrigan fed a ball just in front of the GW goal from the right side. In the middle of a group of players, Mikaila Weaver was able to get a touch on the ball and put a shot on net, although Rowe made the quality save to preserve the lead for the Colonials.

Overall, it was an evenly-played match with the Colonials holding a 12-11 advantage in shots, although the Eagles had nine shots on frame compared to eight for the GW. American also held a slim 4-3 margin in corner kicks.

Weaver led the Eagles with three shots in the match, two of which were on goal. Brooke Sheppard and Samantha Trotta registered two shots apiece. Between the pipes, Farthing recorded six saves for AU.

"I thought we were in control during the first 25 minutes of the match, but once again we lost our way," Head Coach Dave Bucciero said. "Our inconsistent play is hurting us and this is something we are going to have to fix if we want to have any type of success in the Patriot League."

This match marked the end of American's seven consecutive matches away from Reeves Field. The Eagles will be back in action on Friday, September 17 as they welcome Radford to Reeves to begin a three-match homestand. Game time is slated for 4 p.m., and the match can be watched live on Eagles Vision TV, part of AUeagles.com.