Sept. 18, 2009
Box Score
EASTON, Pa. - Lafayette held its own and put forth a valiant effort Friday evening, as the Leopards battled perennial NEC power Monmouth before falling 1-0 at Mike Bourger '44 Field at Oaks Stadium.
Freshman goalkeeper Lauren Smedley was sensational in goal, notching only three saves, but making several crucial plays.
Monmouth started quickly, pressuring the Lafayette defense early and often, which included Smedley's first save of the game when she got a touch off a 30-yard Hawk shot and got just enough to punch it off the post in the opening minutes.
The Hawks got on the board in the 40th minute on a goal from Kim Malecki and took a 1-0 advantage into intermission.
Lafayette fought back and controlled the pace of play in the second half, creating multiple scoring chances on their end.
The Leopards' best opportunity of the evening came on a ball from the right sideline found the foot of freshman Nicole Brownell just outside the six-yard box. Brownell did her best to control the best, but sailed a left-footed shot just wide of goal. A rebound came to junior tri-captain Olivia Hawes who blasted a one-touch shot just high over the crossbar.
Later in the half, Lafayette continued to try and exploit the right sideline when sophomore midfielder Natalie Stone broke towards net and sent a shot on goal, but into the arms of Monmouth goalkeeper Lia Fierro.
Head coach Mick Statham pleased with the team's overall effort and ability to adjust to the game following halftime.
"I was pleased with the team's effort tonight," head coach Mick Statham said following the game.
"I thought we put in an honest shift. The first half, I thought we didn't adjust to Monmouth's speed of play and were a split second too late on too much stuff. The second half, we made the adjustments and played much better. I thought we controlled their speed much better and created more chances for ourselves. It wasn't our night, but full credit to Monmouth, they're a good team. I was certainly pleased with our team's play tonight."
Lafayette will use Saturday to regroup and prepare for a trip to Poughkeepsie, N.Y. on Sunday afternoon to face Marist. Kick-off is set for 1 p.m. Fans not able to attend the game will be able to follow on the GoLeopards.com GameTracker.
