Sept. 2, 2011
Box Score
EASTON, Pa. - The Lafayette women's soccer team defeated Monmouth 1-0 Friday night at Oaks Stadium. The Leopards (2-0-0) broke the tie in the 71st minute with a goal from senior Shannon Neschke, her first of the season. Jacyln Giordano controlled the ball along the end line and fired a low left-footed cross that Neschke one-timed past the Hawks' keeper Ashley Lewis.
"Start to finish, I think it was the best team effort in my six seasons at Lafayette," head coach Mick Statham said. "The players really worked well together and it was terrific to see. I was really proud of how they all applied themselves, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well."
Monmouth (0-3-0) had its chances in the match, outshooting the Leopards 11-4. Lafayette keeper Lauren Smedley earned her second clean sheet of the year and the 13th of her career, making four saves in the process. In the 67th minute, MU's Dana Costello took a shot from just outside the penalty area that was tipped over the crossbar by a diving Smedley, keeping the contest scoreless.
The second half provided more excitement than the first, with each team having excellent scoring chances. In the 54th minute, Nicole Brownell played a ball on the ground into the center of the box that Jill Dozier directed on goal, but was deflected by Lewis over the net. The ensuing corner kick from Brownell sailed right across the goal mouth, but Lafayette was unable to get a touch on the ball. Monmouth came within inches of tying the score in the 83rd minute, when Nicole Close ripped a shot off the crossbar from 25 yards away.
The Leopards lone scoring opportunity in the first half came in the 38th minute from Alyssa Finelli. The freshman had an open look at goal from 20 yards out, but her shot floated above the net.
Each team was cautioned once in the game, Catherine Galgano in the 49th minute and Kim Clemmer in the 57th. The Hawks held the advantage in corner kicks 5-2.
Lafayette is back in action on Sunday when it travels to Jersey City, N.J. to play Saint Peter's College. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.
