Cambridge, Mass. – The Lesley University women's soccer team faced former NECC foe Regis college Thursday evening. The Lynx were able to hold off the Pride to clinch a late game goal for the 1-0 win. The win gave the Lesley its 6th consecutive shut out win. The Lynx defense and goaltending staff now account for 540 minutes without allowing a goal. With the loss, the Pride fall to 4-9-1 while Lesley improves to 13-2-2.
Both teams had scoring oppportunities in the first half, but were unable to connect between the posts. The Lynx limited the Pride offense to two shots in the first forty minutes of play and held the advantage in shots overall for the half 8-4. Lesley mustered 2 corner kicks to the Pride's zero in the first half. The best scoring opportunity came in favor of Regis in the 41st minute of play. Maddie Michaud (New Orleans, La.) ran down a ball on the left flank and cut into the box but was stopped by Lesley keeper Brittley Gann (Bellevue, WA). Regis was able to get another shot off before the half, but was again stopped by Gaan. The two teams headed to halftime scoreless.
Senior Karlie Rubin (San Diego, CA) created two scoring opportunities late in the second half for the the Lynx, but was stopped by a Pride defender on the first attempt. She ripped a shot just outside the goal box where the Regis defender was able to clear it before it crossed the line. Minutes later Junior Rachel Buckley (San Diego, CA) played a ball over the back line to an on running Rubin. Rubin controlled the pass then slotted her shot past Pride goalie Krysten Drake (Loganville, Ga.) for what proved to be the game winner.
"Tonight we faced some adversity, but I'm very happy with how our players dealt with it," said head coach Paul Vasconcelos. "Our coaching staff felt confident that we would get one in the net, and we are proud of our players who stuck with it to get the win for the team."
Drake had seven saves for the Pride while Gaan posted four in her winning effort for Lesley.
The Lynx next travel to NECC opponent Newbury College Saturday at 1pm. The game will be hosted at Hellenic College.