WASHINGTON – The American University field hockey team was unable to hold on to its half-time lead, dropping a 2-1 decision to visiting Rutgers on Friday afternoon.

With the loss, the Eagles fell to 9-6 on the season, while the Scarlet Knights improved to 7-9 on the year.

The game remained scoreless through most of the first period before sophomore Sophia Crawshay broke through with a goal in the 33rd minute. Senior Jess Davis sent a cross in front of the cage to Crawshay, who shot it into an open goal.

The Eagles held on to their lead until the 19:08 mark in the second half when Linde van Schaik converted on an open shot for Rutgers. The Scarlet Knights then netted the game-winner with less than four minutes remaining, capitalizing on a penalty corner opportunity.

Both teams finished with 10 shots, with AU holding the edge in the first half and Rutgers leading in the second. The Eagles had a 7-5 advantage on penalty corners for the game, but the Scarlet Knights had a 3-2 edge in the second half.

"It was a disappointing result because we had the opportunity to close the game out and we never extended the lead to two," said American head coach Steve Jennings. "To Rutgers' credit, they battled back and they had a strong second half.

"The game was up for grabs, but when a team scores with three, four minutes left to go, it's always a tough climb for the team that's down. I wish we could have played better in the finishing end, but we had some good moments in the first half and we'll try to build on that for the game on Sunday."

The Eagles close out their non-conference schedule on Sunday versus another opponent from the Big Ten, hosting Indiana at noon.

The Indiana contest will mark AU's annual Pink Game in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month. The Eagles will collect new and gently used bras to donate to N Street Village, a DC women's community.