FC Buffalo’s first women’s season ended in the East Conference playoff final, the No. 1 seed Blitzers dropping a 2-0 decision to Connecticut Fusion at Buffalo State College’s Coyer Field on Sunday.
Coach Nikki Bartholomew’s much-changed side fought through injuries and absences but were unable to find the back of the net against an experienced Fusion side with several UCONN players.
The Fusion, a No. 2 seed in their first two seasons, scored early in each half to solve an otherwise strong performance from goalkeeper Gabrielle Wilson as the FCB assistant coach filled in admirably with a six-save day.
Nichole Grichen (Daemen College / North Tonawanda, N.Y.) made her first FCB start in the loss, which saw several chances stopped short of danger by a strong Connecticut defense.
The team will regroup for a second season and is extremely proud of a wonderful season of firsts that saw a first-place finish in the regular season and a playoff win over two-time reigning East Conference champions Lancaster Inferno.
