Turchi’s Late Goal Leads Blue Soccer to Fourth Straight Win
| Final | 1 | 2 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
U. of New England (3-5) | 0 | 1 | 1 |
|
Wellesley (4-2-1) | 0 | 2 | 2 |
WELLESLEY, Mass. – A late goal from senior Megan Turchi gave the Wellesley College soccer team a 2-1 win over the University of New England on Wednesday afternoon. The victory was Wellesley's fourth straight, improving the team to 4-2-1. The loss dips the Nor'easters to 3-5 overall.
Turchi's game-winner broke a 1-1 tie with just under six minutes to play in the contest. After a UNE foul, she launched a perfect shot over the keeper on a free kick from 25 yards out.
Wellesley controlled much of the game, building a 17-7 advantage in shots and holding a 3-2 edge in corner kick opportunities. After a scoreless first half, Wellesley's Jennifer Marble put the Blue up 1-0, after creating a one-on-one with the goalie, pulling her out of position, and rifling a ball into the back of the net.
It seemed Wellesley's lead would hold, but UNE turned up the pressure late in the second half. The Nor'easters finally broke through in the 76th minute, when Jackie Dickerson corralled a high ball and sent it into the left side of the net, knotting the game at 1-1.
UNE nearly took the lead in the 81st minute, when another Dickerson attempt sailed just over the cross bar. Wellesley countered with another close call, as an 82nd minute shot from Turchi was knocked wide left.
After Turchi's eventual game-winner in the 85th-minute, UNE made two late bids to tie the score, but Wellesley keeper, Claire Cerda, denied both attempts to preserve the victory for the Blue.
Wellesley first-year Kat Goldsmith got the start in net, playing the first half and recording a save in the only shot on goal she faced. Goldsmith gave way to Cerda, who played the second half and registered three stops.
For UNE, Gina Iannazzi picked up three saves in 34 minutes of play. Sarah Papapietro played the final 56 minutes, recording five stops.
Wellesley is back to action at home on Saturday, hosting NEWMAC-rival Wheaton College in a 1:00pm match-up. UNE also plays a conference game on Saturday, hosting Gordon College at 7:00pm.