Sept. 23, 2012
 |
| |
(2-7-3)
| | | 1 | 2 | OT | F | | NJIT | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | | Lafayette | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 
(3-5-2)
|
|
| |
| | | Scoring Summary | | Player | Assist | Time | | NJIT - Hershfield | unassisted | 8:32 | | LC - Dozier (5) | Jackson (1) | 13:49 |
| | | | Goalkeepers | | Player | Mins | GA | S | | LC - Smedley | 110:00 | 1 | 4 | | NJIT - Bersett | 110:00 | 1 | 7 |
| |
|
|
EASTON, Pa. - A goal for each team in the first 15 minutes of the match ended up being the final total as Lafayette and NJIT played to a 1-1 draw on Sunday afternoon at Oaks Stadium.
"I really enjoyed today's game and thought both teams played hard," head coach Mick Statham said. "Over the course of 110 minutes, there's a ton of positive things we can take out of the game. We played great, passionate soccer and I think NJIT deserves a lot of credit for their effort."
NJIT struck first early when Meryl Hershfield pounced on a loose ball inside the Leopards' penalty area and hit a right footed shot past Lafayette goalkeeper Lauren Smedley. The goal was officially scored at the 8:32 mark.
Despite conceding an early goal for the second straight game, Lafayette quickly answered with a goal off a set piece in the 14th minute. Junior Avery Jackson played a corner inside the NJIT six-yard box where Jill Dozier put her head on the cross and got enough on it to cross the goal line. The tying goal was Dozier's team-leading fifth of the season and the 14th of her career.
Less than six minutes later, NJIT threatened to take the lead once, but a tremendous defensive effort by freshman Allie Torru kept the game locked at 1-1. A corner kick for the Highlanders set up a header in traffic by Madeline Greip, but Torru held her position on the far post and kept the attempt out.
Each team had scoring opportunities throughout the remainder of the contest, but Smedley (4) and NJIT keeper Samantha Bersett (7) combined for 11 saves. Laura Zito contributed three shots offensively for Lafayette, while Allison Stone put two on frame.
The visitors held a 5-4 edge in corners, but Lafayette had a 16-11 shots advantage, including 2-1 in the two overtime sessions.
Lafayette returns to action when it opens Patriot League play against Lehigh on Sept. 29. Kickoff from Oaks Stadium is 7 p.m.
Game Notes:
Dozier now stands alone at fifth in Lafayette history with 14 career goals, passing Briana Rinchiuso '03
Jaclyn Giordano made her first career start at forward for Lafayette
Remember to like Lafayette Athletics on Facebook and follow @GoLeopards on Twitter
