Box Score CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Queens University of Charlotte women's soccer team opened their season hosting Belmont Abbey College at Dickson Field this evening. The Royals fell 2-1 to the Crusaders to begin the 2015 season at 0-1. Belmont Abbey opens their season at 1-0.
 
After earning a corner kick, the Royals were able to get on the board first in the 14^th minute of play. Queens' Ashley Osiecki would send a ball into the box that Julianna Tucker was able to poke through a crowd of defenders into the back of the net. The Royals then held the lead until the 25^th minute when the Crusaders equalized the match with a header from Meghan Philip. Laura Shelton assisted on the play with a cross from the right side of the field.
 
The 1-1 score would remain until the Crusaders' Kooba Richard took a shot from about 20 yards out that slipped through the hands of Queens' goalkeeper, Emily Mager.
 
The Royals stayed aggressive on the offensive end for the remainder of the game, coming up unlucky on a number of shots as time ticked off the clock. A pair of shots from Alana Jefferson sailed over the goal, while a header from the midfielder would get turned away by Belmont Abbey's keeper. In the 83^rd minute a shot fired from Kathy Fisher looked to be heading straight into the back of the net, but it would be tipped into the crossbar at the last second.
 
Queens outshot the Crusaders 10-6 this evening with Jefferson's four shots leading the way. Additionally, the Royals edged Belmont Abbey 3-2 in corner kicks. Tori Danchak and Mager split time in the net with Mager registering two saves.
 
The Royals are back in action on the road on Sunday, September 6 at Lees-McRae College at 3 p.m.