ST. LOUIS — The Parkside women's soccer team dropped their first match of 2026 on Wednesday morning, falling to UMSL. The Rangers generated 10 of their 14 shots in the second half and finished with a 5-4 edge in shots on goal, but UMSL scored twice after halftime. The contest marked the first time in nine years that the teams have played, as it was their first meeting since Parkside left the GLVC.
Parkside put the first shot on frame at 1:18 when
Kayden Schmidt forced a save from Allysa Wolf. UMSL created the next chances as Rachel Skyberg hit the top woodwork at 6:27 and Lexi Whalen sent a shot left at 6:34. The half stayed scoreless through a physical middle stretch that included five fouls. Parkside closed the half with four corner kicks and Victoria Moran struck the top woodwork as the teams went into halftime at 0-0.
Early in the second half, Parkside generated chances through
Ava Rizzitano, who missed high, had a shot saved, and missed right around a
Kate Brown attempt. UMSL answered with pressure, including shots from Ella Anselm, Devin Ellis, Lexi Whalen, and Rachel Skyberg. UMSL broke through at 82:44 on Ashtyn Fry's goal off Ella Anselm's assist, then added another at 86:18 when Maddy Kuhn scored from Taylor Martin to make it 2-0. Rizzitano pulled one back for Parkside at 87:21 off a
Lindsay Dahlinger assist, and the Rangers added a corner plus late shots from Victoria Moran and
Emily Slye before UMSL finished the 2-1 result.
Rizzitano scored the goal and led Parkside with five shots, including two on goal. Rizzitano has now scored three goals in as many games to open the season. Dahlinger recorded an assist for her point. Ferrara played all 90 minutes in goal and finished with two saves. The Rangers have also put up at least 14 shots in three consecutive games to open the year.
The Rangers will be back home at Wood Road Field to open a six-match homestand starting Friday, Sept. 4, at 1:00 p.m. for their final non-conference test of the season against the NSIC's Concordia-St. Paul.
To follow along with the Rangers, be sure to visit
parksiderangers.com/coverage.
