Aug. 30, 2008

Box Score

Boston, Mass. – The Emmanuel College Women's Soccer Team kicked off the 2008 season with a 3-1 win over the visiting Pilgrims of New England College in a non-conference match at the Winsor School on Saturday afternoon. This was the Saints' first win over the Pilgrims in the four year history between these two programs.

The Pilgrims jumped out to an early lead over the host Saints, when New England's senior forward Debbie Lyons (Wilmington, MA) scored unassisted on a breakaway just 14 minutes into the contest. Emmanuel managed to tie the game just six minutes later, when senior midfielder Kristen Goncalves (Ludlow, MA) scored on a rebound off a shot by sophomore Kristina Marik (Airmont, NY).

After the tying goal, the momentum swung to the Saints and Emmanuel outshot New England, 27-8. Sophomore forward and 2007 Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Rookie of the Year Amber Di Nucci (Assonet, MA) scored unassisted at 22:49 to give the Saints a 2-1 edge. Emmanuel took the 1-goal advantage into the break. The two teams played scoreless for the opening 18 minutes of the second stanza. Emmanuel tacked on another goal at 62:58, when Marik drilled a shot from the right side, assisted by junior defender Hillary Mota (Rehoboth, MA).

Senior goalkeeper Laureyn Furtney (Barrington, NH) picked up the win for Emmanuel, making 4 saves in her 90 minutes in net. New England's junior keeper, Kerry Hughes (Wallkill, NY), made 11 saves in the effort for the Pilgrims.

The Saints (1-0) will play at Wentworth Institute of Technology on Tuesday night (9/2) at 7pm. New England (0-1) will play again next Saturday (9/6) at home vs. Plymouth State at 2:30pm.