Mirabella Scores Twice in 2-1 Win

WEST HARTFORD, Conn. – Sophomore midfielder Katie Mirabella (Seymour, Conn.) scored two goals including at 1:23 into overtime as the University of Saint Joseph soccer team defeated Simmons Saturday, 2-1 in a GNAC game at Saint Joseph.

Saint Joseph improved to 10-1-1 overall and leads the GNAC at 8-0-1 in conference play. USJ also extended its school-record unbeaten streak to 11 games. Simmons is 7-7 overall and 6-4 in the league.

Mirabella volleyed the game-winner into the upper left corner of the goal from just outside the 18 after retrieving a ball that deflected off a defender.

"We're not getting cocky, every game we still work together and it's never about one person," Mirabella said. "Every game we give 100 percent, but it does feel good to be on top. Today we had to give everything we had. We work so hard in practice; it's good to see those things carry forward into our games."

Mirabella started the scoring 22:32 into the game when she converted a cross from Patricia Nolan (Portland, Conn.). Mirabella made a far post run and tapped in the pass from just outside the goal line.

That goal held up until 14:02 remained in regulation when Desh Perera (Reading, Mass.) scored off an assist from Kristyn Heuslein (Manchester, Conn.) to tie the score at 1-1.

Simmons outshot USJ, 14-11 for the game. Saint Joseph had a 7-4 edge in the first half, but the Sharks got 10 second-half shots to three for the Blue Jays. USJ had more corner kicks, 8-3.

Melissa Dodge (Watertown, Conn.) made seven saves in goal for the Blue Jays. Simmons keeper Amber Verrill (Windham, Me.) made four stops.

Saint Joseph, ranked 13th in the latest NSCAA New England Division III poll, hosts No. 11 Lasell Monday at 4 p.m.