Bryant University

SMITHFIELD, R.I. — Samantha Zaslaw's sixth goal of the season lifted the Bryant University women's soccer team to an important 1-0 victory over Maine on Thursday evening, picking up three points in America East play.

With the win, the Bulldogs move to 10 points in conference play, strengthening their position in the race for a spot in playoffs, with only two games remaining in the regular season. Five teams are now tied for second with 10 points. 

Bryant will face UMBC at Beirne Stadium on Sunday at 1pm. 

Final Score: Bryant 1, UMaine 0
Records: Bryant (5-6-3, 3-2-1), UMaine (6-5-3, 3-2-1)
Location: Beirne Stadium | Smithfield, R.I.

Coach Biggs' Comments:

 "In the first half, our defending was good, but we didn't generate much in attack. In the second half, we really raised our level. We defended at an even higher level and we attacked with a lot more confidence. Morgan's pass and Sammy's finish were both very, very good, and our focus to see out the game and earn the shutout was outstanding."

Key Moments:

• Shannon Mejia makes a huge diving save off of a volley to keep the score 0-0.
• Morgan Nelson sends a ball down field for Samantha Zaslaw where she finds the back of the net.
• Colleen Ardolino makes a sliding tackle on a 1v1 to the net and helps keep the Bulldogs lead.

Scoring Summary:

54:59 – Samantha Zaslaw hits the bottom right of the net after Morgan Nelson sends a through ball to record the assist.

Game Notes:

• Bryant is now 4-10-1 all-time against Maine. Thursday's victory was Bryant's first over Maine since 2017. The Bulldogs were 0-8-1 in nine previous meetings.
• Bryant improves to 3-2-3 at home this season.
• The Black and Gold have allowed one goal or less in each of their last five games.
• The Bulldogs entered Thursday in sixth place and now sit level on points with Maine.
• Five teams - Bryant, UMBC, Maine, Vermont and UAlbany -- are now tied for second with 10 points each.
• Samantha Zaslaw scored her sixth goal of the season.
• Zaslaw has now scored six of Bryant's 10 goals on the season and ranks fourth in the America East in goals.
• Zaslaw's six goals are just two shy of tying the single-season DI program record.
• Morgan Nelson recorded her first point of the season and first point as a Bulldog when she assisted Zaslaw's goal.
• Shannon Mejia is up to seven shutouts on the season, the most in a single season in DI program history.
• Mejia now owns a 1.00 GAA and an .813 save percentage. 

Next Up:
Bryant returns to Beirne Stadium on Sunday, October 25, to host UMBC in an America East matchup. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m.