Women's Soccer Shuts Out #19 Southern New Hampshire in Impressive 1-0 Win
Links: Box Score | Andrea Rego Interview | Highlights
NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. – The Merrimack College women's soccer team shut out the 19th-ranked team in the nation and the first-ranked team in the Northeast-10 Conference in an impressive defensive effort on Tuesday night, topping Southern New Hampshire, 1-0.
The Basics
Score: Merrimack 1, #19 Southern N.H. 0 |
Records: Merrimack (6-2-3, 3-2-2 NE-10) | #19 Southern N.H. (8-2, 6-2 NE-10)
Location: Martone-Mejail Field | North Andover, Mass.
How It Happened
From the beginning of the game it was clear that it was going to be a defensive battle on both sides, with the first shot of the game not coming until seven minutes in. That shot would be one of just three the Merrimack defense would allow Southern New Hampshire to attempt in the opening half.
One of the few opportunities the Penmen had in this game came late in the first half on a free kick from 33 yards out. Bridget O'Sullivan fired a great kick from deep on net, looking for the top-left corner of the Warrior net. But sophomore goalkeeper Molly Meehan (Fairfield, Conn.) would jump high in the air and bat the ball up and over the crossbar, making a fantastic save when it was most needed.
In the second half the Warriors picked up their offensive pressure, maintaining possession for a majority of the half and not allowing Southern New Hampshire to get any type of momentum going. Merrimack's pressure was evident out of the gate in the second, as the team put together a beautiful rush that ultimately ended in the game-winning goal.
Sophomore Jorgi Adee (Whitinsville, Mass.) started the break at midfield, delivering a nice lead-pass to senior Jenna Savi (Dedham, Mass.) to find her in stride. Savi quickly pushed the ball forward to sophomore Victoria Carter (Smithfield, R.I.), who displayed some fancy footwork and put the ball right between a Penmen defender's legs. Carter then slid a great pass to fellow sophomore Andrea Rego (Dartmouth, Mass.) who finished the play by accurately putting the ball five-hole on the keeper.
Inside The Numbers
- Merrimack is just the second team to beat Southern N.H. this year, with the win breaking up a six-game win streak for the Penmen. Not only that, but Rego's goal is the first goal scored on the Penmen in six games, and just the fourth goal scored on them all season.
- The Warriors outshot the Penmen 13-8 in the game, forcing Southern New Hampshire's keeper to make 10 saves compared to the combined total of three for Meehan and senior Meghan Gulbrandsen (Haverhill, Mass.)
- With the win on Tuesday, the Warriors maintain their undefeated record at home, improving to 4-0-1 at Martone-Mejail Field this season
Up Next
The Warriors will host New Haven on Saturday afternoon for a 1:00 pm NE-10 contest at Martone-Mejail Field.
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