Women's Soccer Moves Into First Place With Comeback Victory Over Howard

NORTH ANDOVER, MASS – The Merrimack College Women's Soccer team won a thriller in a comeback effort against Howard. 

The Basics
Score: Howard 2, Merrimack 3
Records: Howard (10-5-2, 5-3-1), Merrimack (9-4-3, 7-1-1)

Rapid Recap
This game played every bit the part of a Sunday showdown. The first half lacked any action. There were limited offensive opportunities and each team was unable to find the net. The first goal of the game wouldn't come until the second half when Howard put one in just 3 minutes into the half. They would then tack on another just 3 minutes later to go up 2-0. 

Things looked grim for the Warriors as the Bison continued to press on the gas and strived to add to the two goal lead. However, life in the Warriors was resurrected after an Ella Cormier goal at the 72 minute mark assisted by Kyla Sustad. Down just 1 now, Merrimack saw another great opportunity on a gorgeous feed from Sydney Haskin to Ashlee Purcell. Purcell's boot would find the back of the net to tie the game at 2. The momentum had seen a complete shift as both sides were looking to break the tie after some elite offensive play in the second half. It would be a free kick from well outside the box from Sydney Haskin that beat the goalkeeper to put the Warriors ahead 3-2. At that point it was up to the Merrimack defense to maintain the lead and keep the Howard attack from scoring in the final 7 minutes, which is exactly what happened. 

Notes and Figures

• Sydney Haskin had a goal and assist on the day
• Ella Cormier and Ashlee Purcell netted one each
• Lily Morgan helped the Warriors with 4 saves

Up Next
The regular season concludes for the Warriors as they travel to New York to play LIU Thursday the 26th.