Oct. 15, 2010

BRYANT WOMEN'S SOCCER DROPS HARD FOUGHT CONTEST AT WAGNER, 2-1, IN DOUBLE OVERTIME

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Despite a game-tying goal by Jennifer Harding (Lancaster, Mass.) early in the second half, the Bryant University women's soccer team lost a heartbreaker at Wagner, 2-1, in double overtime Friday afternoon for its first Northeast Conference loss of the season.

The Bulldogs dip to 5-8-2 overall and 3-1-1 in the NEC while the Seahawks improve to 6-9-2 on the season and 2-2-2 in conference play.

Wagner wasted little time in establishing a lead as sophomore Julie Vigliotti scored in the sixth minute of action. On a free kick from Katie Keown sent into the Bulldog box, Vigliotti collected the loose ball and launched it past Bryant keeper Lauren Viverito (Dayton Park, N.J.) for the early advantage. 

Elizabeth Guimond and the Bulldog backline have allowed just two goals in five conference games this season.

Following the quick goal, Viverito and the Bulldog defense held strong for the remainder of regulation, recording one save on six shots in the first half and turning away five shots in the second stanza.

Bryant broke the Seahawk lead in the 56th minute with Harding's first tally of the season. Freshman Ari Goldberg (East Bridgewater, Mass.) sent a corner kick into the penalty area where a sprinting Harding connected for a header, sending the shot past Wagner keeper Katie Marcy to even the score.    

With the game tied and both defenses hanging tough, Viverito was called upon to preserve the score as the freshman recorded a pair of diving saves at the end of regulation to send the game into overtime.  

After neither team was able to generate a quality scoring opportunity in the first 10-minute overtime period, the contest was sent into the final extra minute frame.

The game-winner came in the 104th minute with Vigliotti's second goal of the game. The sophomore collected a rebounded shot from teammate Briana Vassallo and placed it past Viverito for the double overtime win.   

Now at the midway point of conference play, the Bulldog backline, anchored by starters Kaitlyn Fare (Milstone Township, N.J.), Regan Marin (Bedford, N.Y.), Elizabeth Guimond (Claremont, N.H.) and Alyssa Kozlowski (Ellicott City, Md.), have allowed just two goals in five games, including a string of four shutouts.  

The Black and Gold return to action on Sunday, Oct. 17 when they host Long Island at 1:00 p.m.