Navy's Morgan Dankanich struck in the 57th minute and her goal proved to be the difference as the American University women's soccer team dropped its Patriot League opener to the Midshipmen, 1-0, on Friday night in Annapolis, Md.

"Despite the loss I thought we played very well and were unlucky not to tie it up," said Head Coach Dave Bucciero. "We responded well after going down a goal and I don't think we are that far off. We have to not let this loss drag us down and focus on our next two conference games Friday and Sunday."

American (2-8-2, 0-1-0) held a Midshipmen team that had been averaging 3.00 goals per game scoreless through the first 45 minutes of play. Brenna Smith's attempt just over three minutes into the match was saved by Navy's Elizabeth Hoerner while Erin Mulhern's shot in the 20th minute went wide of the net. The Midshipmen registered seven shots in the first half, with a 3-1 edge in corner kicks.

Navy (12-1-0, 1-0-0) found the back of the net in the 57th minute as Dankanich headed it in for her eighth goal of the season. Paloma Perez and Ashlynn Soellner registered the assists to help the Midshipmen extend the longest win streak in Division I women's soccer to 12.

Nicole Paviglionite and Stephanie Glover tried to add the equalizer, but their shots were saved by Hoerner and Mulhern's shot in the 85th minute went over the crossbar.

Charlene Belanger matched her season-high with eight saves in the match. Navy held a 17-12 advantage in shots in the game, with a 9-4 edge in shots on goal.

American will return to Reeves Field next weekend when it hosts Lehigh on Friday, October 5 at 3 p.m. and Lafayette on Sunday, October 7 at 1 p.m. Both games will be broadcast live on Eagles Vision TV.