BRONX --- (www.YORKATHLETICS.com) York College women's soccer played even in the final 45 minutes but were unable to overcome a first-half deficit Monday afternoon, dropping a 7-2 non-conference decision on the road to the Lehman College Lightning (1-5-0) from South Field. 

Lehman flew out like a cannon as defender Esmeralda Santos Valencia tucked home her first-career collegiate goal in the bottom right corner at 3:55 to break the scoring ice. Diallo Ramatoulaye got in on the action at 8:52 with a breakaway to double Lehman's advantage before tallying another one six minutes later, beating York goalkeeper Katherine Perez in transition. After a good spell of possession for York that included shots by Melanie Guerrero and Zaria Neptune, Ramatoulaye rounded off her hat trick after latching onto a line-breaking pass from Valencia. Ramatoulaye added her fourth goal in the 35th minute. 

The Cardinals came to play in the second half, creating many chances. Joanne Chavez's shot was saved by Lightning goalkeeper Josefina Flores in the 48th minute. Seven minutes later, York struck the outside of the post from a cross. At 58:32, however, Ramatoulaye bagged her fifth goal of the afternoon. Responding well, just after the 60th minute, Emelin Cajamarca and Taylor Bellmon missed opportunities from inside the 18-yard box. At 64:15, those two linked up, as Cajamarca's pass gave Bellmon her first goal of the campaign. In the 68th minute, Joanne Chavez found the back of the net for her first-career goal. Two minutes following York's quickfire double, Miriam Bernal's goal for Lehman ended any comeback hopes. 

"The relationship between Taylor and Emelin was much improved, as they are seeing what can happen when they have confidence in their individual ability, coupled with trust in their teammates. I am especially anxious to see what happens when Emelin, Taylor, Zaria, and Joanne begin to mesh. I think that group will lead the turnaround at York and the path to future victories."-said head coach Winston Willabus

After a challenging first 45, York outshot Lehman 9-6 in the second stanza. Additionally, the Cardinals held the shots on target advantage (5-4) and had more corners than the Lightning, 3-2. Across the match, Lehman outplayed York in shots (15-13) and shots on goal (10-7). Both numbers represent season-highs for the Cardinals.

Along with her goal and assist, Bellmon's four shots are the most for any York player this campaign. Chavez and Neptune were also involved in the attacking frenzy, finishing with five shots and four on-target combined.  

The Cardinals (0-3-0, 0-1-0 CUNYAC) make their College Point Field season debut on Wednesday (Oct. 12) at 3 p.m with a CUNYAC showdown against the Lightning (0-1-0 CUNYAC).

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