PLYMOUTH, N.H. – The Plymouth State University women's soccer team defeated the Vermont State University Castleton Spartans, 4-0, in a pivotal Little East Conference (LEC) match on Panther Field Saturday afternoon.
Head coach
Peter Simonini, who played for the men's soccer team in the late 70s, can now add career win 200 to the medley of accolades and achievements during his illustrious playing and coaching career. Simonini came back to his alma mater to take over the women's soccer program this season.
"It's great to have this moment in the place where it all began for me," said Simonini with a smile shortly after the game. "The team played great today."
Senior
Tess LeDuc (Marlborough, Mass.) had a career day herself, leading the Panthers with two goals and an assist in a critical victory to keep the team's LEC playoff hopes alive. Graduate student
Kaliana Palhof (Loudon, N.H.) also recorded a goal in the winning effort.
Freshman goalkeeper
Sydney Rowe (Cañon City, Colo.) recorded nine saves in her second career shutout.
Plymouth State improves to 3-6-2 (1-4-0 LEC), as VTSU Castleton falls to 2-10-0 (0-5-0 LEC) on the season.
The Basics:
- Plymouth State 4, VTSU Castleton 0
- Plymouth State (3-6-2, 1-4-0 LEC)
- VTSU Castleton (2-10-0, 0-5-0 LEC)
How it Happened:
- The Panthers opened the scoring in the 10th minute when LeDuc put home a half-volley from the top of the box on a knocked down corner kick, putting the team up 1-0.
- PSU doubled its lead (2-0) in the 20th minute on a ball played over the top to Palhof who ran past the back line and tucked the ball away at the back post.
- LeDuc would score her second goal just before halftime to put the Panthers up 3-0 on a scrappy finish, beating all players to a ball that deflected off the post, giving PSU a comfortable halftime advantage.
- The Spartans showed moments throughout the match to get on the scoreline, but Rowe was equal to the task each time.
- An own goal in the 72nd minute put the game out of reach as the Panthers sealed off the home win.
By the Numbers:
- Each team recorded nine total shots in the contest.
- PSU recorded nine corner kicks to the Spartans' two.
- Shots on goal were in VTSU Castleton's favor, 9-5.
- Goalkeepers combined for a total of 11 saves in the contest.
- The Panthers remain strong at home against the Spartans, holding a 6-1-2 record overall.
- The 4-0 scoreline marked the Panthers' largest margin of victory against VTSU Castleton in all contests.
- PSU is 7-7-3 in the head-to-head matchup dating back to 2007.
Up Next:
- Plymouth State will continue LEC play at home on Wednesday (Oct. 11) as in-state rival, the Keene State College Owls will come to Arold Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.
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