Second-Half Surge Triggers Allegheny Shutout
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Katrina Gazsi buried her second career goal and first of the season in the 68th minute on Saturday as Allegheny overcame a sluggish first half to defeat York College, 1-0, on the first day of the Raddison Invitational at Carnegie Mellon.
The start of Saturday's tilt was delayed 75 minutes due to lightning storms in the Pittsburgh area, although the Gators were slow to form following the opening whistle. The Spartans posted three shots early in the first frame, although just one found its way into the hands of senior keeper Emily Karr. Allegheny had four chances in the first half, but Sarah Spanarkel took each opportunity to task and after the first 45, the score remained level.
Whatever message was delivered by the Allegheny coaching staff, the players got it loud and clear. As has been the case with a majority of the Gators' early-season slate, the Blue and Gold dominated play and pieced together a smothering attack in the second frame.
In the 64th minute, Kira Kliment had a tremendous effort on a free kick from 25 yards out, but Spanarkel went full extension and tipped the shot over the crossbar.
Less than four minutes later, the Gators finally dented the board as Dayna Rowe drove down the sideline and delivered a great cross that Gazsi placed low into the far post.
Allegheny nearly doubled its advantage in the 79th minute as Spanarkel tipped another shot over the crossbar. Kliment served a corner into the box where senior defender Alex Gordon re-directed the cross cleanly on target. The Gators continued to pepper the York keeper down the stretch, and had several point-blank chances, although Allegheny was unable to finish and settled for the one-goal win.
The Gators outshot the Spartans, 16-3, including 12-0 after the re-start. The Blue and Gold also boasted an 11-2 advantage on corners. Karr was credited with one save en route to her third shutout of the season. Spanarkel closed with 11 saves in keeping York (0-3-0) in contention throughout the evening.
