Box Score SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – A slow start on the attack for the Keene State College women's soccer team eventually caught up to them as the Owls comeback attempt against Western New England University came up short and the Golden Bears defeated the Owls 2-0.
Records
- Keene State: 2-5-4 (0-0-2 LEC)
- Western New England: 3-3-2 (1-1 CNE)
How it Happened
WNE got on the board first in the opening half after their first two shots missed the target, the third found the back of the net from Abigail Alicandro following a Golden Bear corner kick in the 18th minute. WNE tried to tack on another goal 10 minutes later following another corner kick, but the shot from Ava Borecki missed the frame. The best change KSC had in the opening half was with 13 minutes remaining, but the offensive push to try to tie the game up did not pan out for the Owls. The final eight minutes of the half WNE tried to add another goal heading into the half but of their two of four shots on goal, KSC's starting goalkeeper,
Riley Andriski, saved both shots to limit WNE to a 1-0 lead at the half.
Andriski opened the second half just as she ended the first with a save right away, but she was unable to save the next shot from the Golden Bears as Meghan Hartnett scored the second of the game for WNE to increase the lead in the 52nd minute. 27 seconds later KSC had their best opportunity of the game so far to score but
Elizabeth Tschudin's shot from the edge of the box rang off the crossbar and bounced back as KSC was unable to draw within a goal. 10 minutes later
Elise Saab tried to head the ball off a corner kick into the back of the net to draw even, but WNE's goalkeeper and reigning Conference of New England Defensive Player of the Week, Ainsley Napolitano, was able to save her attempt. Both goalkeepers made a save in net over the next 18 minutes as the contest reached 10 minutes remaining as the Owls tried to mount a late comeback attempt. KSC was able to get two more shots on frame in the final 10 minutes, but Napolitano saved both the attempts as WNE held on for the 2-0 win over the Owls.
Inside the Box
- KSC falls to 14-6 in the all-time series between the two teams as WNE has won the six most recent matchups by a combined score of 14-2 after KSC won the first 14 meetings.
- WNE had a 15-11 shot advantage, including a 6-4 shot on goal edge and seven corner kicks to two from KSC.
- Both goalkeepers finished with four saves in the game with Andriski making two in each half, while Napolitano made all four of hers in the second half.
Up Next
Keene State returns to Little East Conference play against the University of Massachusetts-Boston for their next contest on Saturday, September 27, at 2:30 PM.
WNE also returns to conference play for their next contest as they travel to Nichols College on Friday, September 26, at 4:00 PM.
