Women’s Soccer Fends Off Simmons’ Late Rally in 3-2 Victory

WEST HARTFORD, Conn. – The University of Saint Joseph (USJ) women's soccer team earned a 3-2 victory over the Simmons University Sharks at home Wednesday evening during Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) play at the USJ Soccer Field in West Hartford, Conn. With the victory, the Blue Jays improved to 3-5-1 on the year and 3-1-1 in GNAC, while the Sharks dropped to 2-6-1 overall and 0-4-1 in the conference.

The Blue Jays' offense was rolling in the first half, scoring two times before the break. Senior forward Alana Picard (Windsor Locks, Conn.) got it started in the 27th minute, scoring her team-leading eighth goal to give the Blue Jays a 1-0 lead. Three minutes later, sophomore forward Julia Loughman (Wolcott, Conn.) cashed in off a feed from graduate forward Elizabeth Garlock (Meriden, Conn.) to double USJ's lead.

USJ picked up right where it left off in the first half to start the second, as senior forward Christina Quitoni (Patchogue, N.Y.) netted the hosts' third goal in the 49th minute. Senior forward/defender Zoe Zappone (Plymouth, Conn.) initiated the scoring chance with a powerful shot from 25 yards out that was batted down by the Simmons goalkeeper. The rebound fell to Picard, whose follow-up attempt was also saved, but the ball caromed over to Quitoni, who calmly slotted it into the back of the net to make it 3-0 in favor of the Blue Jays.

Simmons refused to go away quietly, breaking through the Blue Jays' defense for two goals in the second half. Lauren Krupnikoff scored an unassisted tally in the 68th minute to put the Sharks on the board. The visitors struck again in the 77th minute, as Grace Nostrant converted off assists from Gabriella Almonte and El Marques da Costa, cutting the deficit to 3-2. However, the Blue Jays' back line held firm over the final minutes to secure the win and two crucial points in the GNAC standings.

USJ outshot Simmons 18-14 overall, with each side recording nine shots on target. The Blue Jays also held a slight edge in corner kicks, 4-3. Sophomore goalkeeper Erika Horne (Killingly, Conn.) backed the defense with seven saves and improved to 2-0-0 on the season.

UP NEXT 

The USJ women's soccer team remains home and continues GNAC play when it hosts Lasell University on Saturday, Oct. 4. Kickoff is set for noon at the USJ Soccer Field in West Hartford, Conn.

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