The UMass Boston women’s soccer team had a modest week, coming up with an impressive 4-0 road victory against Pine Minor College on Tuesday October 15, while dropping a 5-0 decision against Little East Conference (LEC) rival Eastern Connecticut State University on Saturday October 19. The victory gave the Beacons their second one of the season, the most that the team has had in several years. UMB’s record stands at 2-11-1 as of the Eastern Connecticut State match.
Eastern Connecticut State came into the game as the frontrunner in the standings of the Little East Conference with an impressive record of 9-1, 2-0 in the conference. The lack of depth of UMB’s squad hindered their play, as the team fielded ten players, one of which, freshman forward Amanda Greene, the third leading goal scorer in the LEC, displayed the obvious effects of a badly sprained ankle sustained in practice the previous day.
The Warriors wasted little time in establishing a lead as Valerie Gasparino scored 56 seconds into the game off her own rebound off the crossbar. Eastern Connecticut State dominated the possession of the ball, keeping goalkeeper Kristen Bowes busy for much of the day. The Beacons rarely sent the ball anywhere near the Warrior goal. Greene’s injury and the lack of a full squad on the field made it near impossible to counter the Warriors’ attack.
The defense played remarkably well despite the disadvantage in numbers, and Bowes had moments of brilliant play to keep the score respectable. However, Eastern Connecticut State scored their second goal with a little more than ten minutes left in the first half. Jenny Ternstrom received a cross pass from the right corner, and sent a rocket to Bowes. The Beacon goalkeeper made the initial save but gave up a rebound, which Ternstrom deposited into the net for a 2-0 score. The Warriors scored once more before the end of the half on a goal by Jessy Michelin.
The second half was not that much better for UMB, as Eastern Connecticut State scored twice more for the eventual final score of 5-0. However, Bowes put on a show that would make many a goalkeeper jealous. The three-sport athlete came up with a remarkable count of 25 saves, flashing her indomitable spirit for both teammate and opponent to see.
On a more positive note, the Beacons had notched a 4-0 victory over Pine Manor College a few days before, despite having one less player on the field. Meghan Cyr and Bowes had four saves apiece as the duo combined for the shutout, the team’s second of the year. Bowes led the way with two goals, while Greene and Cyr each scored a goal. Stacey Peterson assisted on three of the four goals.