Blue Soccer Shuts Out Emerson to Open NEWMAC Play

WELLESLEY, Mass. — The Wellesley College soccer team held visiting Emerson College without as shot, as the Blue opened conference play with a 2-0 victory over the Lions on Saturday. The win improves Wellesley to 6-1-1 overall, 1-0 in the NEWMAC, while Emerson falls to 3-4, 0-1 in conference play.

The hosts piled on a 16-0 advantage in shots, with a 6-2 edge in corner kids. Wellesley's Claire Cerda and Kat Goldsmith combined for the shutout, with neither keeper needing to make a stop.

Wellesley got on the board in the 15th minute of play, as Melise Knowles scored her team-leading fourth goal of the season. The rookie received the ball at the corner of the six, turned around to beat a defender, and then fired a shot off the dribble that beat the Emerson keeper to the right side.

Emerson had a pair of corners in the first half, one taken by Alyssa Giannone and the other by Cassandra Tatomir. The Lions were unable to get a clean shot off in both situations, with the Wellesley defense sending the game into the break at 1-0.

The Blue piled on five corner kicks in the first 19 minutes of the second half, resulting in a 75th minute score from sophomore Sofia Diaz de Villegas, the first goal of her career. Off a corner from Sumner Hanula, Knowles got a foot on the ball sending it towards Diaz de Villegas, who made a nifty spin move and then found the back of the net for a 2-0 Wellesley lead.

Just over a minute later, the Knowles to Diaz de Villegas connection seemingly struck again, but the Blue were whistled for offsides. Hanula again started the play, careening a shot off the post that was collected by Knowles. 

Wellesley had a pair of shots in the waning minutes, but Emerson's Melanie Escobar made a nice save on one, with the other attempt going wide, setting the final to 2-0 Wellesley.

Emerson's Allie Altman started the game for the Lions, playing just over 73 minutes and making six saves. Escobar played the final 16:31, making a pair of stops.

Wellesley is back in action on Tuesday, hosting local-rival Brandeis University, at 4:00pm. Emerson also plays on Tuesday, heading to Lesley at 8:00pm for the Charles River Cup.