Strong Second Half Powers MIT Past Wellesley Soccer

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – MIT broke a scoreless tie in the second half, tallying three goals to down Wellesley College soccer, 3-0, in New England Women's and Men's Athletics Conference (NEWMAC) action on Tuesday at Roberts Field at Steinbrenner Stadium. With the win, MIT improves to 9-3-2 overall and 5-0-1 in conference play. Wellesley falls to 7-6-2 and 1-4-0.

Following a scoreless first half, MIT first year Olivia Struckman converted on the Engineers third shot of the second half, collecting a pass from senior Ambika Krishnamachar to score her seventh goal of the season at 51:47. MIT doubled their advantage roughly five minutes later when senior Ashley Peter located junior Morgan Moroi, who drilled a curving shot past Wellesley junior goalkeeper Kat Goldsmith for her fifth goal of the season.

Goldsmith played the entire second half for the Blue, making three saves in the contest. Senior Claire Cerda got the start in goal for Wellesley, playing the first half without needing to make a save. MIT sophomore classmates Lauren Ullmann and Hannah Zlotnic combined for the shutout, making three saves for the Engineers.

Sophomore Anjali Krishnamachar sealed the win for the hosts with her first goal of the season at 80:02 when she pounced on a rebound following a shot by Peter. Krishnamachar collected the loose ball that bounced off a diving Goldsmith and sailed her only shot of the contest into the Wellesley net.

Wellesley's best chance to score came late in the contest as Rianna Aylward connected on a header in the area, but the junior's chance sailed wide of the far post with just under five mintues to go.

Both teams return to action on Saturday, October 18 at 1:00 p.m. MIT hosts Smith College. Wellesley hosts WPI as part of Homecoming Weekend.