BOSTON – Women's soccer faced its first draw in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) this season after conceding a late goal to the Albertus Magnus Falcons in the second half, forcing a 1-1 draw on a stormy night at Roberto Clemente Field. This comes after the Saints put up four consecutive shutouts in their last four matches, not allowing a goal since their 8-0 loss to Bates College on September 8. With the draw, the Saints move to 4-0-1 in conference play and 4-3-1 overall.
Both teams started the match with high-quality scoring chances. In the ninth minute, Emmanuel's Ciara Horan pushed toward the box and fired a shot that was saved by Albertus Magnus' Liliana Novicki. In the 13th minute, Stacey Casorla and Tessa Lopez booted consecutive shots on goal for the Falcons as both were saved by Saints goalkeeper Teigan Robie. Saints forward Grace Foster struck another shot moments later only for it to also be saved.
The first half ended scoreless, but the Saints struck first at the beginning of the second half. Emmanuel's Paige Letourneau scored her fifth goal of the season and third in three games in the 46th minute on a breakaway that went off the left post and into the back of the net.
The Saints held onto that lead until the 82nd minute when Falcons' defender Natalya Pennant received a breakaway pass and beat out a charging Robie to send the bouncing ball into the back of the net and evened the score.
Throughout the game, both teams were evenly matched. Albertus Magnus ended the match with 11 shots, six on goal to Emmanuel's 10 shots, five on goal and both teams committed six fouls. The Saints, however, had nine corner kicks to the Falcons two, and were unable to capitalize on the scoring chances.
Both teams walk away with a point as a result of the draw and now women's soccer prepares for their next match against Lasell University in Newton. Kickoff is scheduled for Wednesday, September 30, at 4:00 p.m.
