Cullen, Smith Propel Women's Soccer Past Blue Jays 2-0

Cullen, Smith Propel Women's Soccer Past Blue Jays 2-0
NEWTON, Mass. (10/10/15) – The Lasell College women's soccer team blanked the University of Saint Joseph's (Conn.) 2-0 in a Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) clash on Saturday afternoon at Taylor Field. The Lasers extend their GNAC record to 6-0-1 and 7-3-2 overall, while the Blue Jays descend to 3-4 in the conference and 5-7 this season.

Junior Megan Cullen (Amesbury, Mass.) scored both goals for the home team in the effort, each assisted by junior Erin Smith (Gorham, Maine).

The home team got on the board just six minutes into the contest, as Smith played a through ball over the Blue Jays' defense, where Cullen used a textbook one-time finish to open the scoring. The duo would strike again 11 minutes later when Cullen collected a feed from Smith in the six yard box, and put away a near-post tally.

The Blue Jays began to test the Lasers' offense in the opening minutes of the second half, as freshman Annmarie Masayda (Watertown, Conn.) took an immediate shot on net that was stopped by sophomore keeper Sarah LaClair (Belchertown, Mass.). In the 53rd minute of play, USJ sophomore Nicole Aquillo (Amston, Conn.) set herself up for a one-on-on situation with freshman Kaleigh Heffernan (Simsbury, Conn.), who denied the visitors' shot to goal.

Senior Sarah Quintal (Richmond, Vt.) sent the ball into Blue Jay's territory in the 66th minute, where senior Bridget Munnelly (Bellingham, Mass.) and junior Devon Day (Hartsdale, Vt.) fired back-to-back shots on net, however USJ senior net minder Melissa Dodge (Watertown, Conn.) came out of the scuffle with two saves on the play. 

As the clock ticked town, USJ senior Sara Barnick (Watertown, Conn.) created a hopeful opportunity with two left to go in regulation, but LaClair was there to make the catch as the Lasers closed out the match 2-0.

LaClair saved all seven shots on frame and improves to 6-3-1 on the year with her fifth shutout of the season. Dodge recorded six saves in the effort for the Blue Jays, and shifts to 5-7 overall.

Lasell edged Saint Joseph's in shots, 17-11, and owned a 9-1 advantage in corner kicks. 

Both teams continue GNAC action on Columbus Day, Monday, October 12 at 1:00 p.m. The Lasers will hit the road to Albertus Magnus College, while the Blue Jays welcome Anna Maria College.