Blue Soccer Falls To No. 12 Brandeis In Rain-Soaked Match-up, 2-0
| Final | 1 | 2 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Brandeis (7-0-0) | 2 | 0 | 2 |
|
Wellesley (3-5-0) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
WELLESLEY, Mass. -- Visiting Brandeis University scored a pair of goals in the first half to earn a 2-0 non-conference victory over Wellesley College on a soggy Tuesday afternoon at the Wellesley Fields Complex.
The Judges, ranked No. 12 in the latest United Soccer Coaches Division III National Poll, improved their record to 7-0-0 and 3-0-0 away from home with the victory. Wellesley has now lost three straight and drops to 3-5-0 on the season.
Senior Julia Matson (Rockland, Mass.) scored the game's first goal, and the eventual game-winner, in the 18th minute, when she jumped through the rain and connected on a header after classmate Sam Volpe (Groton, Mass.) played a cross into the penalty area. The goal was Matson's second of the season.
The Judges doubled their advantage later in the half, when a free kick off the foot of junior Katie Hayes (Eau Claire, Wisc.) skipped off the rain-soaked field and past Wellesley goalkeeper Olivia Reckley (Grosse Ile, Mich.) to make the score 2-0 in the 31st minute. Hayes' third of the season helped the visitors take a 2-0 lead in the break.
Brandeis continued to apply pressure throughout the second half but failed to add another to the lead. The Judges finished with a 29-3 edge in shots and an 8-2 advantage in corner kick chances. Wellesley's best chance to score came in the 69th minute when a bid from junior Hannah Knoll (Boise, Idaho) was deflected aside by junior goalkeeper Victoria Richardson (Tolland, Conn.).
Richardson recorded the only save of the game for Brandeis in relief of starter Sierra Dana (Lombard, Ill.). First year Rebecca Gold (Pleasant Valley, N.Y.) also played just under 20 minutes in relief for the Judges. Reckley (3-5-0) matched her season-high with nine saves for the Blue.
Wellesley will return to New England Women's & Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) action on Saturday at 1:00 PM when they host Coast Guard. Brandeis will host Case Western Reserve for homecoming on Saturday at 1:00 PM.
