BALTIMORE — The American University women's soccer team suffered a tough defeat at the hands of Mother Nature in overtime, 2-1, to Loyola Maryland on Wednesday evening in Patriot League play.

With high winds throughout the contest, AU was forced to play the second half and overtime against the wind.

American dips to 3-7-1 and 0-2-1 in Patriot League play while Loyola moves to 4-5-1 and 2-0-1 in the league. 

It took nearly six minutes of extra time for the Greyhounds to come away the victor. The goal came off the foot of Riley Piechnick, who sent a cross that on a normal day would have been played by the keeper in the box, but the trajectory of the ball took an unsuspected turn and carried into the back of the net for the game-winner. 

American was forced to play a man-down after keeper Charlene Belanger was issued a direct red after she stopped a penalty kick and then reacted to the save.

Loyola struck first in the third minute on a through ball from Jess Soldiviero to Charlotte Miller to give Loyola a 1-0 lead.

Maddie Light came up short on an attempt in the 13th minute and then Loyola keeper Colleen Folan stopped Kelly Donovan's header. 

In the second half, Miller and Light each had their attempts pushed aside, but AU capitalized on a cross by Bruna Gomes that was flicked by Audrey Denkler over to Marley Jennings for her second goal of the season in the 55th minute.

AU reserve keeper Courtney Bembenek played the final 27:50 and made one save. Before her red card, Belanger made six saves in 67:51. 

Loyola finished the contest with a 14-6 edge in shots and took seven corner kicks.

American University returns home to Reeves Field to host Lafayette on Sunday at 1 p.m.