RIT Strikes Early; Nips Allegheny, 2-1
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Jenna Smith fueled some late-match drama with her first career goal, but Allegheny was unable to complete the rally is it fell to RIT on the second day of the Raddison Invitational at Carnegie Mellon. The Tigers scored two early goals en route to a 2-1 victory in the first-ever meeting between the schools.
Smith smashed home the Gators' lone finish on a scramble following a free kick-save against senior Kira Kliment in the 82nd minute. Georgia Frost, who was awarded an assist on the score, got a head on the ball just prior to Smith's shot into a wide open net. Allegheny (3-2-0) maintained the pressure down the stretch, forcing several fouls against the RIT (2-2-0) defense, but Kliment's shot over the crossbar with seven minutes left in regulation proved to be the last real chance for either team.
The Tigers pounced on Allegheny early, and broke the deadlock just nine minutes into the action. Jackie Jacobson re-directed a free kick attempt into the far post and beyond the outstretched hands of junior net minder Emily Karr. Seven minutes later, RIT stretched its advantage as Jacobson pushed a terrific pass in the midfield through the defense. Rachel Bromson intercepted the ball in space and secured a one-on-one finish Karr for her team-leading third goal of the season.
RIT, which scored on its first two shots of the game, was the aggressor for most of the game as it was whistled for 17 fouls, dealt a caution, and called for off-sides six times. The Tigers' aggressive play neutralized Allegheny's potent attack, although Allegheny outshot RIT, 12-7, including a 7-3 edge after the break.
