OWN GOAL PUSHES SAINTS PAST FITCHBURG STATE

FITCHBURG, Mass. – The Emmanuel College women's soccer team earned a 1-0 victory over Fitchburg State in non-conference women's soccer action at Elliot Field on Tuesday night.

In the opening period, neither team was able to find the back of net. Emmanuel's best scoring opportunity occurred with just over 15 minutes remaining in the frame as junior Courtney Freadman (Richmond, Mass.) fired a shot on target, but Falcon goalkeeper Morgan Steele was able to turn the shot away.

Fitchburg State nearly broke the 0-0 stalemate midway through the half when sophomore Danyel Stone and junior Victoria Floeck each put shots on goal, Saints sophomore goalkeeper Victoria LaRoche (Hudson, N.H.) denied both scoring chances to preserve the 0-0 tie going into the break.  

Following intermission, the Falcons nearly struck in the 59th minute of action as sophomore Whitney Mansfield collected a loose ball and rifled a shot from 15 yards out, but LaRoche made a diving save to her right keeping Fitchburg State off the board.

The Saints netted the eventual game winner at the 67:05 mark, following a free kick from 25 yards out, as the ball deflected off a defender and found its way into the back of the net, resulting in an own goal.

Throughout the contest, Emmanuel outshot Fitchburg State by a 16-12 margin, while the Falcons held a 2-1 advantage in corner kicks. In between the pipes, Steele finished with six saves for the Falcons in the setback, while LaRoche stopped five shots for the Saints to earn the clean sheet. 

Emmanuel (2-4-0, 0-0-0 GNAC) will travel to Curry College on Thursday for a contest starting at 7 p.m. Fitchburg State (2-2-0, 0-0-0 MASCAC) will be back in action on Saturday as it visits Framingham State University at 7 p.m. 

Release courtesy of Fitchburg State Athletics