LOWELL, MASS. – The Merrimack College women's soccer team suffered its first lost of the season on Thursday night against Umass Lowell, 2-1, in the season opener. Vanessa Wainwright had the lone goal for the Warriors in the 78th minute, which tied the game. A late goal by the River Hawks with four minutes to play, proved to be the game winner.
The Basics
Score: Merrimack 1 Umass Lowell 2
Records: Merrimack (0-1-0) | Umass Lowell (1-0)
Location: Lowell, Mass.
Rapid Recap
- Wainwright came out of the gate firing, earning a shot on goal in the first two minutes of action. Three minutes later Caleigh Christensen launched a shot that went wide of the net, her first in a Warrior uniform. In the 23rd minute Cassie Avenick sent a shot towards the River Hawk goalkeeper. Unfortunately, she made the save to keep the game tied at zero. On the next UMass Lowell possession, Warrior goalkeeper Lily Morgan made one of three saves in the first half. Avenick had another scoring chance in the 23rd minutes, which was stopped by the River Hawk goalkeeper. In the 32nd minute, Umass Lowell broke through for their first goal of the game. The Warriors did not have another shot on goal in the half and went into halftime down one.
- In the second half, it was the River Hawks turn to come out firing. Morgan made two saves in the first five minutes of the second frame. In the 59th minute Hallie Shiers had a shot that went wide left. Eight minutes later, Molly Murnane gave the Warriors a scoring chance, but missed wide left. The the 75th minute, Wainwright got the ball about eight yards outside the box. She then launched a shot to the top right corner, past the Umass Lowell goalkeeper to tie the game. With momentum now on their side Murnane, Christensen, and Avenick all had shots to go up a goal, but none could find the back of the net. The River Hawks scored with four minutes to play. giving them a one-goal lead. They would not let up the advantage, winning the game by one.
Top Performers // Notes
- Avenick led the team in shots, including two on goal.
- Morgan finished the game with seven saves.
- The Warriors had 11 shots compared to the River Hawks who took 18.
Up Next
Merrimack has its first home game of the season on Sunday afternoon when they face the University of Vermont. Game time is set for 1 p.m. on Martone-Mejail Field.
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