Worcester, MA --- UMass Dartmouth junior Kathleen Landers' (Danvers, MA) goal in the 53rd minute stood up as the game-winning goal as the Corsairs defeated Worcester State, 1-0, in non-conference women's soccer action this evening at Coughlin Field.
UMD, who is receiving votes in the latest NSCAA New England coaches poll, improves its record to 11-3-2 while the Lancers even out at 7-7-3.
Worcester State held the 10-7 advantage in shots, but the teams drew to a scoreless tie at the intermission.
Early on WSU senior Brianne Beckman (Lakeville, MA) had a great bid, but her kick hit the cross bar in the eighth minute.
UMass Dartmouth sophomore Shelby Freidland (New Bedford, MA) also had back-to-back opportunities on open looks, but they were both snatched up by Worcester State keeper Mia Koutoulas (Danvers, MA).
To start off the second half, the Corsairs netted the games only marker when Landers chipped in cross that was booted over the open mouth of the net by junior Tori Pierce (Tiverton, RI).
It was after the goal that the Lancers buckled down on defense and played consistent in the midfield to hold the visitors to just one shot for the remainder of the contest.
On offense, the Blue and Gold had a frustrating finish as they peppered the opposing net with shots, but could not find the back of the net.
In the 75th minute, freshman Alicia Macomber (Stoughton, MA) found an opening on the left side of the box after a corner kick, but it was batted out of harm's way away by Pierce for a team stop. Moments later, Beckman had a golden opportunity, but her attempt sailed to the left of the post.
Junior Gaby Gonet (Agawam, MA) also had two great looks in the final 10 minutes, but her first attempt on a rocket was caught in mid-air by third-year net minder Krista Chauvin (Seekonk, MA) and her second chance was inches to the right of the post.
Chauvin finished the contest stopping all nine of the shots she saw on net while Koutoulas ended her night with four saves. The shutout was Chauvin's fifth this season.
Worcester State led in shots, 19-9 (10-5 on goal) while the visitors held the 5-3 edge in corner kicks.
In a brief pre-game ceremony, head coach Kevin Cumberbatch spoke about the fourh-year accomplishments of Beckman and classmate Mariah Messina in honor of "senior night" as the pair played in their final regular season home game this evening.
Both squads finish of their regular season at in 1 o'clock contests on Saturday.
Worcester State travels to MCLA in a must-win game to secure the second seed and first round bye in the opening round of next week's MASCAC Tournament. UMass Dartmouth hosts Eastern Connecticut in LEC action.