DARTMOUTH, Mass. – University of Massachusetts Dartmouth sophomore Abby Silva (Fall River, Mass.) made her first collegiate goal a memorable one, scoring the game-winner in the 98th minute to lift the Corsairs to a 1-0 overtime victory over visiting Lasell College Wednesday night in a NCAA Division III women's soccer match on Cressy Field.
UMass Dartmouth created the final scoring opportunity by forcing a turnover along the left flank, deep inside the Lasers' (3-3-1) defensive zone. Silva gathered the loose ball, took a step, and delivered the decisive strike inside the far, lower corner of the net to help the Corsairs even their ledger at 2-2-1 on the campaign.
After a scoreless opening 45 minutes, Lasell nearly cracked the scoring column in the 57th minute. Junior Devon Day (Hartland, Vt.) sent a corner kick in from the right flag that classmate Mack Kingman (East Bridgewater, Mass.) struck for the potential go-ahead goal through a sea of traffic. However, a Corsair defender held the goal line and thwarted the opportunity. UMass Dartmouth was unable to clear the zone, which provided the visitors with a flurry of offensive activity. Day put the initial shot wide left, but a teammate tracked down the attempt and sent a quick return pass her way. Day ticketed her second attempt off the left post, and the hosts were finally able to clear their zone.
The Corsairs countered on their next possession to set up a quality scoring opportunity. Junior Erica Farias (Tiverton, R.I.) sent a through ball along the left flank that freshman Courtney Hewitt (North Attleboro, Mass.) took in stride. Hewitt continued towards the end line before placing a centering pass onto Silva's foot, in front of the net. Silva struck the ball, but sophomore Sarah LaClair (Belchertown, Mass.) made a diving stop to preserve the stalemate. LaClair finished with five saves.
Sophomore Madison Boucher (Southampton, Mass.) made three saves to post her second shutout victory of the season, raising her individual record to 2-2-1.
Both teams registered 12 shots, while the Lasers held a slim 2-1 advantage in corner kicks.
Lasell will return to Great Northeast Athletic Conference action on Saturday, Sept. 26 for a home contest against Simmons College at 2:30 p.m., while UMass Dartmouth will return to action at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 25, when the Corsairs host Little East Conference rival Rhode Island College.
Recap Courtesy of UMass Dartmouth Sports Information