Wellesley Soccer Wins Double-OT Thriller Against Lesley

WELLESLEY, Mass. -- Wellesley College rookie Melise Knowles scored the golden goal midway through double overtime as the Blue soccer team topped visiting Lesley University, 1-0, on Wednesday afternoon. The victory runs Wellesley's winning streak to three games, lifting the Blue to a 4-1 record. The Lynx suffer their first defeat of the season, moving to 3-1 overall.

In the 106th minute of play, Wellesley sophomore Gabby Hartman played a ball over the top to junior Abigail Hess. Hess corralled the ball and with one touch sent it through to Knowles who finished the ball in the left side netting for the win. The goal was the second of the season for Knowles, who now leads the Blue with five points in 2014.

Wellesley ended the game with a 15-5 advantage in shots, including taking four of the five shots in overtime. The Blue also held a 7-1 edge in corner kicks. 

Wellesley controlled play in the first half, racking up three shots and three corners in the first 31 minutes. Lesley responded with a flurry of attempts with just under 10 to play in the half, as Jasmine Sanchez hit the crossbar, and Marysol Flores had her look saved by the Blue's Claire Cerda. Wellesley's Abby Aldridge closed out the half with a shot that went wide right, preserving the 0-0 score.

The Blue outshot the Lynx 7-1 in the second half, with six of the team's attempts coming in the first 12 minutes of the stanza. Lesley's Jackie Berard made three saves during the stretch to keep the game scoreless, where it would stand at the end of regulation.

Wellesley seemingly scored the game-winner late in the first overtime period. Junior Juliette Fry got a breakaway and launched a nice shot that was saved by Berard. The ball then rebounded to Hess who found the back of the net, but the Blue were called for offsides and the goal was waived off, sending the game to the second extra period. 

Lesley had a corner kick attempt early in the final overtime, but the Wellesley defense held strong, setting up Knowles' game-winner.

Wellesley's Cerda got the win, making three saves in 105:15. Berard made six saves for the Lynx.

The Blue are back in action on Saturday at Regis, taking on the Pride at 1:00pm. Lesley next plays on Friday, traveling to MIT for a 7:00pm start.