SMITHFIELD, R.I.—A late chance by freshman
Ioanna Papatheodorou (Nea Erithraia, Greece) led the UMass Lowell women's soccer team (3-2-1) to a 1-0 victory Wednesday night, as they edged out Bryant (0-5) in an evenly matched offensive battle.
In addition to netting the lone goal of the game, Papatheodorou finished with a team-high four shots. Leading the defense, freshman
Lisa Sjögren (Skellefteå, Sweden) blocked all six shots on goal en route to securing her second consecutive shutout. The River Hawks and Bulldogs amassed 30 shots on the night, with the River Hawks taking a slight edge with 18. UMass Lowell also earned eight corner kick opportunities to Bryant's three.
"It was a tough defense for us to break today," said Head Coach
Mira Novak following the contest. "We created chances, but we have to be a little more clinical in the box. I'm glad we found a way to unlock their defense in the end, but I was hoping we'd be able to do it a little bit earlier today."
Opportunities came early and often for both teams. Bulldogs forward Katie Cronin connected with a cross from the right side in the 11th minute that sailed high left over the crossbar. The River Hawks answered with an attempt in the 20th minute when sophomore
Calliste Brookshire (Kingston, MA) crossed in a pass following a corner kick. Freshman
Lærke Niklasson (Roskilde, Denmark) had a late attempt of her own, heading it toward the back post but just missing to the outside of the right bar.
The teams continued to trade blows throughout the remainder of the game. In the 74
th minute, a through-ball by senior
Emily Nelson (Peabody, MA) found Papatheodorou on the rush. She tried to flick the ball to the low right side, but it barely skidded past the post.
Just ten minutes later, Papatheodorou redeemed herself. After gaining possession of a loose ball at the top of the penalty area, a one-touch shot squeaked inside the right bar to give the River Hawks the 1-0 advantage. The Bulldogs attempted to respond late with a shot on goal following a free kick cross into the box, but Sjögren blocked it away to give UMass Lowell the win.
The River Hawks look to win their third consecutive match Sunday, Sept. 12, when they travel to Philadelphia to take on Drexel.
