BOSTON, Mass. – Melanie Escobar's seven saves nearly made her perfect on the day as a penalty kick decided Tuesday night's contest as the Emerson Women's Soccer Team fell 1-0 to the Wheaton Lyons in NEWMAC action. The Lions move to 4-8-1 on the year and 1-4 in conference play as Wheaton improves to 8-6-1 overall and 2-3 in the NEWMAC.

The first half saw Wheaton put up nine shots to Emerson's three, but Melanie Escobar stepped up for three saves to keep the Lyons off the board through most of the period. The Lyons played physical as they were called for nine fouls, but it was one of Emerson's fouls in the box that set up Wheaton's Kelsee Howes for a penalty kick that she would bounce off the left post and in to make it 1-0 at the break.

Emerson stepped up in the second half with Escobar putting up four saves while the Lions themselves forced two from Wheaton's Ali Hinton in the half. The Lyons remained physical in the second period as they added nine more fouls, though Emerson pushed harder as well, garnering five themselves. In the end the solid team effort wasn't enough as Wheaton was able to keep them off the board to close out the 1-0 final.

Up next the Lions will continue their NEWMAC home stand as they set to face Springfield this Saturday. Game time is set for 1 p.m. at Rotch Field in Boston, Mass.