Sept. 18, 2015 Box Score
DURHAM, N.H. - Junior Kaelin King was the Lafayette women's soccer clutch performer on Sunday afternoon in Durham, N.H., scoring the game-tying and game-winning goals in the Leopards' 2-1 victory over New Hampshire.
King's performance helped move the Leopards to a 5-1 overall record, the program's best start since 2001 and tied for the best record through six games in program history. Additionally, the win is Lafayette's second comeback victory of the young season.
"We played really well all game, especially in the second half," head coach Mick Statham said. "We played some good soccer, competed and gave a great Leopard effort all weekend. You have to bounce back at times in the season and this group is humble enough to handle the ups and downs."
At the end of a first half dominated by Wildcat possession, New Hampshire finally beat the Leopards' defense late to take the 1-0 advantage. Jackie Feraco sent a long free kick into the left side of the box, where Gabrielle Sloan was able to get a head on it and the ball trickled over the line for the score. The Wildcats held 8-1 and 4-1 edges in shots and corners, respectively, moving the game into the break in control.
However, the Maroon and White came out of the locker room a different team as the Leopards knotted the game at one in the 67th minute. Freshman Katie Brannigan slotted a ball across the field to an open King, cutting toward the box. King checked back the ball on a defender and surprised New Hampshire goalkeeper Mimi Borkan with a missile inside the near post on the left side.
Lafayette turned the field on the Wildcats in the second stanza and pushed the game into overtime, pressing for a winning tally. It didn't take long for glory as just 22 seconds into the extra session, King came through.
Brannigan was able to jump in front of an attempted clear from the back of the New Hampshire defense and deflect the ball to a streaking King on the left side of the box. The junior didn't miss her opportunity, slotting it past the keeper for the winner.
"Kaelin is a special talent," Statham added. "She was dangerous all weekend, but goal-scorers love scoring goals and we're all happy for her."
Final stats still went in New Hampshire's favor with an 11-7 edge in shots and a 7-1 advantage in corners, but the Leopards led on the scoreboard where it counts.
Junior Danielle Sedillo made a save and allowed a goal in 44:15 of action, before an apparent head injury took her out of the game. Sophomore Kelly O'Brien was excellent in relief, picking up her first win of the year while making a pair of saves. New Hampshire's Mimi Borkan made two saves and allowed a pair of goals in defeat.
The Leopards will look to continue this momentum into Patriot League play, opening conference action on Saturday at Loyola at 7 p.m.
