Aug. 30, 2011
Box Score
EASTON, Pa. - The Lafayette women's soccer team opened its 2011 campaign with a thrilling 1-0 double-overtime victory over Howard. The Leopards (1-0-0) struck in the 110th minute when Nicole Brownell ran onto a ball from Jill Dozier who lofted a pass over the Bison defense. Brownell battled for position before depositing a right-footed strike in the near side netting past goalkeeper Kyra Dickinson.
"I told the team before the start of overtime that a touch of class would win the game," head coach Mick Statham said. "I thought the pass from Jill Dozier and Nicole Brownell's finish both had that."
The Maroon and White had plenty of scoring chances in the game, outshooting Howard (0-3-0) 28-10.
"Sometimes you play and create chances and it is just not enough," Statham continued. "We have to be cold minded inside the box, finish on those chances and turn them into goals. We have a young forward line that will mature with the more opportunities they see."
Throughout the game, Lafayette's front line created multiple scoring opportunities. Freshman Jaclyn Giordano registered eight shots, Alyssa Finelli added five and Dozier took four in the contest.
Lafayette picked up right where it left off defensively last season, posting its first clean sheet of 2011. Junior Lauren Smedley recorded a shutout, the 12th of her career, making five saves in the process.
After halftime Lafayette had a few chances to break the tie. In the 69th minute, Brownell sent a cross into the penalty area that reached Shannon Neschke's head and was stopped from sneaking inside the far post by a diving Dickinson. The Howard keeper was in the right place again in the first overtime when she stopped a volley attempt from Dozier in the 99th minute.
The Leopards best scoring opportunities in the first half came in the last five minutes of the period. In the 41st minute, Giordano received a pass outside the penalty area with her back to goal, turned and found Finelli, who fired a shot just over the crossbar.
Minutes later, Finelli returned the favor with a cross that found Giordano, who lunged and put a shot on target from outside the six yard box.
In addition to holding the advantage in shots, the Leopards earned five corner kicks in the match compared to two for the Bison.
Lafayette returns to action Friday at 7 p.m. when it hosts Monmouth at Mike Bourger '44 Field at Oaks Stadium.
