Blue Soccer Blanked 2-0 by Springfield

WELLESLEY, Mass. -- Springfield College senior Kaleigh Dale (Mansfield, Conn.) scored the game-winning goal and added an assist to lead the visiting Pride to a 2-0 victory over Wellesley College soccer in New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) play on Saturday afternoon at the Wellesley Fields Complex. 

Springfield improved to 3-3-0 overall (2-0-0 NEWMAC) with the victory while sending Wellesley  to its first defeat of the season. The Blue are now 4-1-0 and 1-1-0 in NEWMAC play.  

The Pride jumped out to an early lead just three minutes into the contest when Dale scored her fourth goal of the season on an unassisted effort from the top of the penalty area. The visitors held the advantage until the break. Wellesley's best chance of the opening half came on a shot by first year Cindy Zeng (Mill Creek, Wash.) in the 31st minute, but Springfield junior goalkeeper Amelia Harper (Taylorsville, Utah) ranged to her right to snag the slicing shot.

Dale helped the visitors increase their advantage to 2-0 in the second half when she set-up junior Kellie Smith (Marshfield, Mass.) for her fourth of the year in the 48th minute. The Pride held on for the remainder of the half, as the Blue finished with a 10-3 advantage in shots but couldn't find a way past Harper. 

The Blue finished with a 13-8 advantage in shots, as Harper (3-2-0) finished the contest with nine saves to earn the shutout for Springfield. Wellesley junior goalkeeper Kendall Lincoln (San Diego, Calif.) made two saves in the setback (3-1-0). 

Both sides will host non-conference games on Wednesday, September 29. The Blue will take on Framingham St. at 4:00 PM, with fans in attendance receiving a Wellesley Blue rally towel (while supplies last). Springfield will welcome visiting Castleton for a 6:00 PM start.