Jays, Falcons, Play to Scoreless Tie in Soccer

WEST HARTFORD, Conn. – University of Saint Joseph freshman Melissa Dodge (Watertown, Conn.) made seven saves in her fifth consecutive shutout, but Albertus Magnus was also up to the task as the teams played a scoreless overtime tie Saturday in a GNAC game at Saint Joseph.

Saint Joseph is 6-1-1 overall and 4-0-1 in the GNAC. The Blue Jays are unbeaten in their past seven games after having won their past six. Albertus is 6-1-2 overall and 2-0-2 in conference play.

Albertus had the edge in field position in the first half, outshooting the Blue Jays, 6-2. But Saint Joseph held a 10-7 edge in shots in the second half and overtime. Saint Joseph's Patricia Nolan (Portland, Conn.) had an excellent chance sail just over the crossbar in the second half and Nicole Mendelson (Southbury, Conn.) generated two dangerous chances in overtime off set pieces.

"It was a great college soccer game featuring two very good teams, a rivalry and nobody held anything back," Saint Joseph coach Chris LeGates said.

The game was preceded by an alumni game and was part of Tailgate Day at USJ.

"I'm proud of the way we played in the second half and overtime, especially in front of so many alumni and fans," LeGates said. "It was a good game to be a part of for the coaching staff and players. We've showed that we've improved, but we still have a ways to go."

Dodge, last week's GNAC Goalkeeper of the Week, ran her scoreless streak to 540 minutes, 24 seconds. Katie Mirabella (Seymour, Conn.) generated four of the Blue Jays six shots, while Shelley Mirmina (Milford, Conn.), the leading scorer for Albertus, had six of the Falcons' 13 shots. Christina Dineson (Milford, Conn.), the Albertus starting goalie, made two saves before leaving the game in the second half with an injury. Maria Case (West Haven, Conn.) made eight saves in relief. 

Saint Joseph next plays at Emmanuel, Wed. Sept. 26 at 7 p.m.  The Blue Jays next home game is Wed. Oct. 3 at 4 p.m. against Lasell.