KEENE, N.H. 9/24/08 - Sophomore forward Katie Bradford (Lebanon, N.H.) scored the game winning goal, her team-leading ninth of the season, with 4:45 to play lifting the Keene State women's soccer team to a 1-0 non-conference victory over Clark University at Owl Athletic Complex on Wednesday night.

After missing several scoring opportunities earlier in the game, Bradford was sent in alone on a fine over the top pass from junior back Stephanie Passerini (Wakefield, Mass.). "It was a great ball that landed right at my feet and I just knocked it into the net," said Bradford, who was selected as the LEC's offensive player of the week.  "I had my chances earlier, but their keeper kept them in the game."

The Owls had the better of play in a scoreless first half. With Cougar junior goalie Joanna Clark (Windham, Me.) out of position, junior back Lorna Lunney (La Jolla, Ca.) came to the rescue, knocking away a shot by the Owls' freshman forward Sia Karamourtopoulos (Freemont, N.H.) at the 28:32 mark.

Later in the half, Bradford broke in alone, but her shot sailed over the net.  The Owls final scoring opportunity came with just over three minutes to play in the half when Karamourtopoulos's drive ticketed for the corner of the net was saved on a diving stop by Clark.  

Played picked up in the second half with both teams having chances to get their teams on the board.  KSC senior midfielder Michelle Boland (Worcester, Mass.) had her shot hit off the near post 10 minutes into the half.  The Cougars best opportunity came two minutes later when freshman forward Erin Peete's (Clinton, Mass.) cut in for a shot that was stopped by Owl freshman goalie Megan Dempsey (Weymouth, Mass.) Dempsey was hurt on the play and was replaced by senior Samantha Hirsh (Holliston, Mass.).

Bradford had another opportunity to break the scoreless stalemate at the 23:55 mark, but her shot sailed just over the cross bar. She wouldn't miss her next chance, netting the game-winner. 

The Cougars pressed the attack to get the equalizer in the closing minutes of play.  Sophomore midfielder Kristen Murrone (Middletown, Mass.) was set up in front, but her header was snared out of the air by Hirsh with two minutes to play.

Dempsey played the first 57 minutes, making one save before giving way to Hirsh who finished the game and had two saves. 

Clark had a busy night in the Cougar goal, stopping 11 shots.

Both teams return to conference play on Saturday.  Winners of three of its last four games, Keene State (7-2) hosts LEC rival Plymouth State at 1 p.m.

Clark University (3-4) returns home for a NEWMAC contest against Coast Guard at noon.