The American University women's soccer team (1-4) played a tough defensive game, but Richmond broke a scoreless tie late in the first half and defeated the Eagles, 2-0, on Friday evening at Robins Field.

Richmond (2-2) pressured the Eagle in the early stages of the contest and nearly took a 1-0 lead in the 11th minute, but Darian Podmajersky hit the crossbar. 

American keeper Charlene Belanger made her first stop of the game three minutes later on an attack by Meaghan Carrigan. 

In the 19th minute, American nearly tied the game after a corner kick by Audrey Denkler bounded over to Alexandra Taylor, but her attempt was blocked. 

Seconds later, the Eagles has their best chance of the stanza on a blast by Yari Bradfield that was stopped by Richmond keeper Jessica Stanfill. 

Stanfill saved a hard shot by Kaylee Hillard in the 36th minute, moments after she served a corner kick into the box. 

Richmond got on the board late in the half off a corner kick by Ella Stout that found Ashley Riefner from 18 yards away to give the Spiders a 1-0 lead with 5:33 left in the frame.. 

In the second, Alexandra Taylor nearly tied the game for the Eagles, but her shot sailed wide right. 

In the 62nd minute, Riefner sent a tough pass to Lindsay Williams who from 29 yards away sent a ball to the upper left bar. 

Belanger made her final stop of the night in the 80th minute off a shot by Ashley Gross. 

The Spiders finished the contest with a 23-7 advantage in shots and held a 9-3 lead in corner kicks. 
Belanger finished the match with six saves and Stanfill had three for the Spiders. 

American will host LIU Brooklyn on Sunday at noon. The contest will be streamed live on the Patriot League Network.  Richmond will meet UNC Wilmington on Sept. 11.