PHILADELPHIA – Unable to overcome a two-goal first-half deficit, the American University field hockey team came up short in a tough 3-2 loss to 15th-ranked Temple on Sunday afternoon.

The Eagles dropped to 5-5 overall on the season, while the Owls improved to 7-3 on the season.

Temple scored its first goal of the contest midway through the opening half and quickly added to its advantage with another tally just a minute and a half later. The Owls held on to their advantage for the remainder of the period, going into the intermission with a 2-0 lead.

American was able to get on the scoreboard nearly 12 minutes into the second half, as Rebecca Treharne scored off a pass from classmate Grace Wilson following a penalty corner. Unfortunately, the Owls regained their two-goal cushion less than three minutes later, scoring off the rebound of a saved shot.

The Eagles continued to battle, but did not score again until the end of regulation, as freshman Angela Virtu converted on a penalty corner with no time remaining. However, it was not enough to overcome Temple's early advantage.

American finished the game with a slight 14-12 edge on shots taken, and were awarded nine penalty corners, including six in the second half alone, compared to just two for the Owls. The Eagles also received strong play from junior goalkeeper Kate McBeath, who finished the game with six saves, while Wilson contributed a defensive save.

 “We played a really excellent game today against a very strong Temple team,” said American head coach Steve Jennings. “We were just a bit unfortunate that they were able to execute on some great counter-attack plays, because for large periods of the game, we were able to exert great control over the match. I'm really proud of our fight and effort today. Unfortunately, we just came up a little bit short.”

AU returns to action next Sunday, Oct. 5, with another non-conference road game, visiting Cornell.