Early Penalty Kick Dooms Wellesley Soccer Against Fitchburg State

WELLESLEY, Mass. -- A penalty kick goal from Rachel Jamieson in the 32nd minute proved to be the game-winner as the visiting Fitchburg State Falcons upended host Wellesley College, 1-0, in non-conference women's soccer action.

Jamieson's eighth goal of the season lifted Fitchburg's overall record to 8-4, while Wellesley drops to 6-6-1.

The Blue held a slight 8-6 advantage in shots in the first half, but Fitchburg keeper Melanie Berent recorded seven first-half saves to keep Wellesley off the board.

Wellesley had its best chance to tally the equalizer early in the second half after a scrum in front of the goal brought the Falcons keeper out of position.  However, Chelsea-Ann Patry's attempt went just left, and the game remained 1-0 in favor of the visitors.

The Blue mounted an impressive offensive attack to close the game, outshooting Fitchburg 11-3 in the period, including 4-0 over the final 15 minutes of play. But once again, solid play from Berent handed the 1-0 victory to the Falcons.

Berent finished the evening with 12 total saves, registering her second career shutout.  Wellesley keeper Sarah Gray ended the game with four stops.

Up next, Wellesley heads to Smith on Saturday in a key NEWMAC match-up at 1:00pm.  Fitchburg also returns to conference play on Saturday at 1:00pm, as the Falcons travel to MCLA.