April 27, 2007

EPPING, N.H. -- In their first outdoor 11 side match in over a month, the UMass Women's Soccer team ventured to Epping, N.H. site of SeaCoast United's field turf complex on Sunday, April 22. UMass fared quite well, tying New Hampshire 2-2 and then defeating St. Anselm's 3-1.

Lack of defensive organization led to an early 8th minute New Hampshire lead. Thereafter, UMass got its game rolling and dominated large portions of the game. It took until the second half however to get on the board.

Seven minutes in, the Minutewomen tied it up. After three strong air challenges by Amy Ballew(2) and Vanessa Patry, Britt Canfield hit a stunner that deflected off Patry and past the helpless UNH keeper. 11 minutes later, UMass scored again. Left wing Katie Ruggles put left defender Kaelyn through into UNH's penalty area. Caldwell's bomb was deflected into a crowd where Patry finished once more.

Four minutes from time the never give up Wildcats scored the equalizer off a long ball that bounced off two UMass defenders to an opportunistic UNH forward who make no mistake in finishing. Goalkeeper Kristin Walker had a nice touchover save in the last minute.

Final score : UMASS 2 UNH 2

UMASS 3 St. Anselm's 1

In the second match of the day a slightly tired UMass side with only 11 fit field players battled a fresh and spirited St. A's side.

The Minutewomen started well playing a nice possession game that was rewarded after only two minutes. Cristina Adams played a neat one-two combination with Canfield and smartly finished from 12 yards. St. A's tied it however on a corner kick that bent into the far corner and off the upright.

UMass continued to dominate most of the way scoring twice more. Jenny Roehrig's fine 35 yard diagonal cross from the right found the ever present Canfield who received and volleyed powerfully from 8 yards out. Four minutes later her shot was blocked then finished by Christina Nunes on a first timer in close.

Melissa Jubenville made her debut as a field player in the second half. Lauren Luckey was the keeper of record.

NEXT GAME: Saturday April 28 @ 10 a.m. at Rudd Field versus UMass- Lowell.

Due to a numbers shortage the planned afternoon Alumni scrimmage has been cancelled.