Allegheny Blanks Wittenberg, 1-0
SPRINGFIELD, Ohio – Freshman Jaymee Wallace headed home a corner kick late in regulation to propel Allegheny past Wittenberg, 1-0, on Sunday in the NCAC opener for both schools. The result marked the Gators' first win at Wittenberg since 2003, and this first victory over the Tigers in 10 meetings.
Late pressure helped fuel the win as the Gators (5-3-1, 1-0-0 NCAC) earned back-to-back corners. The first attempt, served beautifully by senior Kira Kliment, was double-fisted over the bar by Tigers' (4-4-1, 0-1-0) net minder Cassie Lythjohan. Kliment's second crack sailed to the far post where Wallace volleyed the cross into the back of the net for her first career finish.
The goal came at the start of the 84th minute, and left little time for Wittenberg to orchestrate a rally. Despite securing the go-ahead goal, Allegheny maintained the pressure to the end whistle, getting another corner and header attempt by Wallace before settling for the one-goal victory.
Allegheny outshot Wittenberg, 7-6, but picked up three of those shots in the final 10 minutes of play. The Gators, who have excelled with their possession play in the midfield, labored to settle the tempo on Wittenberg's fast artificial surface. The match was evenly played throughout most of the afternoon until Allegheny seized momentum toward the end of the second half.
The first half produced only three total shots for both teams, while senior goal keeper Emily Karr earned her fifth shutout of the year after making three saves. She also extended her Allegheny career shutout record to 34 matches.
Lythjohan finished with four stops for Wittenberg.
For the third straight game, Allegheny drew a yellow card on its opponent. The Gators have not been carded this season, while the opposition has been cautioned five times. Allegheny has outshot its opponents, 158-46.
