PLYMOUTH, N.H. – Freshman
Clara Wilson (Montpelier, Vt.) scored her third goal of the season, but Keene State College edged Plymouth State University, 2-1, in a Little East Conference (LEC) women's soccer match at Panther Field on Wednesday afternoon.
Senior goalkeeper
Sydney Rowe (Cañon City, Colo.) kept the game scoreless into the second half with a series of strong saves. The Owls caught a fortune bounce in the 69th minute when a header off a corner kick looped into the upper corner to open the scoring. Rowe made a diving stop five minutes later but was unable to control the rebound, allowing KSC to double its lead.
Plymouth State clawed back late, as junior
Ava Knighton (Clayton, Del.) sent a long ball into the box that Wilson converted in traffic to cut the deficit to 2-1 with just over two minutes to play. The Panthers continued to press, keeping the ball in the offensive third for the final 90 seconds, but Keene State's defense held firm.
Plymouth State moves to 6-10-0 (0-6-0 LEC), while the Owls stay unbeaten in league play at 7-4-6 (2-0-4 LEC).
The Basics:
- Plymouth State 1, Keene State 2
- Plymouth State (6-10-0, 0-6-0 LEC)
- Keene State (7-4-6, 2-0-4 LEC)
How it Happened:
- Both teams opened cautiously, trading possession in the midfield. The Owls had the game's first quality chance in the 17th minute on a shot from the top of the box, but Rowe calmly secured it.
- Freshman Sophie West (Rochester, N.H.) came up big two minutes later, clearing a header off the goal line following a Keene State corner to keep the game level.
- The Panthers built momentum midway through the half as senior Piper Sullivan (Laconia, N.H.) created space and rifled a shot that was handled by the KSC goalkeeper.
- The game remained deadlocked at 0-0 at halftime.
- Midway through the second half, Sullivan broke free down the left side and cut across the top of the box, but her right-footed attempt was blocked by a Keene State defender.
- The Owls countered in the 68th minute with a 35-yard blast that Rowe tipped over the crossbar for a key save. The visitors cashed in on the ensuing corner with a looping header, though, to make it 1-0.
- KSC extended the lead in the 74th minute after Rowe made a diving save, but the rebound bounced to an Owl forward who tucked it home to make it 2-0.
- Plymouth State responded in the 88th minute. Knighton sent a 50-yard long ball to the top of the box, where Wilson fought through three defenders to finish in traffic and cut the deficit to 2-1.
- The Panthers maintained pressure for the closing minute and a half, but the Owls' defense held on.
By the Numbers:
- Rowe finished with 10 saves.
- Wilson netter her third goal of the season.
- Knighton recorded her second assist.
- Keene State held a 13-3 advantage in shots on goal.
- Four of the last five meetings between the teams have been decided by a single goal.
Up Next:
- Plymouth State visits UMass Boston for a 3 p.m. matchup on Saturday (Oct. 25).
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