SAINTS COME UP SHORT IN COLLEGES OF THE FENWAY WOMEN'S SOCCER RIVALRY

BOSTON, Mass. – Sophomore forward Amanda Weinberger (Colchester, Conn.) scored a pair of second half goals to lead Wentworth Institute of Technology to a 2-0 win over Emmanuel College in women's soccer action played under the lights at Roberto Clemente Field on Tuesday night.  Both teams entered the contest at 2-1 on the season and the Leopards improved to 3-1 with the victory, while the host Saints fell to .500 at 2-2 on the year.

This Colleges of the Fenway (COF) rivalry between the Saints and the Leopards dates back to 1998 with Emmanuel holding the all-time edge at 9-6-2 after tonight's setback.  In recent years, this non-conference battle has been hotly contested, as last season's meeting ended in a 2-2 double overtime tie and the five prior meetings were decided by just one goal.  However, Wentworth dominated the offense throughout the contest on Tuesday night, resulting in the shutout win.

The visiting Leopards rattled off 7 shots in the first half to just two by the host Saints.  Emmanuel's rookie keeper Victoria Laroche (Hudson, N.H.) notched 6 saves in the opening frame, including two diving stops.  EC managed just one shot-on-goal in the first half, which was stopped by Wentworth's senior goalie Beverly Farris (Palmer, Mass.).  The game entered halftime scoreless, with the Leopards holding a 7-2 shooting advantage.

Weinberger had a tremendous scoring opportunity just ten minutes into the second half, but her shot was thwarted by a diving Laroche.  It was on Wentworth's ensuing possession that Weinberger would net what would eventually hold up as the game-winner.  Rookie midfielder Emily Richard (Fremont, N.H.) broke free in the midfield, finding Weinberger streaking down the right side.  The sophomore's breakaway goal sailed past Laroche's outstretched arms.  The goal came at 57:43 and gave the Leopards a 1-0 edge.

Weinberger's second goal of the night was netted in the 82nd minute of action, after Laroche was called for a penalty in the box.  Weinberger calmly played her PK attempt into the back of the net for her 5th goal of the season and the 2-0 lead.

Emmanuel's senior captain Kelsie Dumas (Dalton, Mass.) got a great look with less than four minutes to play, but her shot fired off the crossbar and Wentworth pulled out the 2-0 win.

Farris, who made 4 saves for the Leopards, earned her second win of the season, improving to 2-1 on the year with the shutout victory.  Laroche took the loss for the Saints, but made a season-high 11 saves in the effort.

The Leopards finished with a 14-7 shooting advantage and a 13-4 lead in shots-on-goal.

Wentworth will play again this Saturday (9/13), when the Leopards travel to Wenham, Mass. to take on Gordon College in a noontime start.  Emmanuel is also back in action this Saturday, when the Saints open up Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) action against Suffolk University. Game time is set for 1:00 PM at Dilboy Stadium in Somerville, Mass.