Worcester, MA- The Women's Soccer team had their first away game of the season down the road at Clark University in Worcester on Wednesday at 7 pm. The team fought hard for the full 90 minutes but were unable to come away with the result they hoped for.
The game opened up with both teams aggressive from the jump. The Clark Cougars kept possession well but the Lancers' defensive line shut down any potential for shot opportunities. Multiple times the Lancers received possession in the midfield and attempted to send balls lobbing over the heads of the Cougar center backs, but were unsuccessful in developing that distance needed to break free. The Cougars were able to build out of their defensive line to pass up the field around the Lancers. Both teams continued playing aggressively, and Lancer keeper first year Ella Gummieny (Douglas, MA) stopped several Cougar shots to keep the score at 0-0.
The second half began with the same energy as the first as each team looked to find the goal that would give them the edge. Lancer striker first year Ava Lemanski (Clinton, MA) had incredible pace at the top that resulted in a shot but it was saved by Cougar keeper Annabella White (Manhattan Beach, CA). In the 51st minute Clark's Jamie Stern (Highland Park, IL) sent a ball to Ashlee Samuel (Elmont, NY) which found the back of the Lancer's net for the first goal of the game. Due to injury, Worcester State's sophomore Mallory Dupuis (Leominster, MA) subbed into net for the Lancers ready to keep the defense steady. Both teams continued to fight and the Lancers had a deep bench that brought a number of strong players off the bench to impact the game. After a foul on Worcester State in the 73rd minute, Samuel was able to capitalize on a ball from a set piece and score her second goal of the game to put Clark up 2-0. Sophomore midfielder Erin Condon (East Bridgewater, MA) moved up to forward and Worcester State's pace challenged Clark's defense repeatedly in the last five, which created more opportunities in the Cougar's final third. Both teams had several further corner kicks towards the end but all were deflected out of the box.
The Lancers held a tight game but came up short in the end in the back and forth scorcher. They look to claim their first victory of the season this weekend, with a midday game on Sunday vs WPI at 1pm. Worcester State now sits at (0-1-1, 0-0) on the young season.