PLYMOUTH, N.H. – Plymouth State University handed Western Connecticut State University its first Little East Conference (LEC) blemish of the year, battling the preseason favorites to a 1-1 draw in a women's soccer game at Arold Field on Homecoming Saturday.
WestConn, which had been picked first in the LEC Preseason Coaches' Poll, entered play with a spotless 4-0-0 record in conference play, but senior
Abbey Johnson (Orlando, Fla.) wrapped a game-tying corner kick around the post in the 38th minute and Plymouth State was able to secure a key point as teams begin jockeying for postseason positioning.
Plymouth State moves to 5-5-2 (1-2-2 LEC), while WestConn is now 8-4-1 and 4-0-1 in league play.
The Basics:
- Plymouth State 1, WestConn 1
- Plymouth State (5-5-2, 1-2-2 LEC)
- WestConn (8-4-1, 4-0-1 LEC)
How it Happened:
- WestConn got out to an early lead as the Wolves were able to score in the 11th minute.
- After some back-and-forth between both teams, Johnson tied the game with a beautifully delivered corner kick that went through the goalkeeper's hands and into the net for the equalizer.
- Each team had chances to break the tie, but additional shots from Johnson, graduate student Cara Easter (Weare, N.H.), juniors Ashley Plante (Concord, N.H.) and Tess LeDuc (Marlborough, Mass.) and sophomore Erin Cammarota (Goffstown, N.H.) were turned aside and the game would end in a stalemate.
- Each of the game's two goals came with some controversy, as it appeared as though graduate student Elena Register (Helena, Ala.) had corralled the WestConn shot, though the assistant referee ruled the ball had crossed the goal line.
- WestConn officials believed Johnson's corner kick did not initiate from within the arc, but the goal was ruled good.
By the Numbers:
- Register tallied four saves, marking her fourth game of the year with at least that many.
- Johnson's goal was her first of the season and career.
- Plymouth State's last result against the Wolves came in a scoreless tie in 2004. WestConn had won each of the last 17 meetings.
Up Next:
- The Panthers will look to repeat the strong outing on Wednesday (Oct. 12) when they host Southern Maine, also unbeaten in conference play, in another LEC contest at 3:00 p.m.
– 30 –
