Russo's Overtime Goal Lifts Scranton Past Drew, 1-0
MADISON, N.J. -- Sophomore forward Samantha Russo (Yorktown Heights, N.Y./Yorktown) scored midway through the first overtime to lift The University of Scranton women's soccer team to a 1-0 victory over Drew University on Saturday afternoon.
Russo dribbled past the defense and banked a shot off the post and in to end a match that had been highlighted by standout defense on both sides. The goal was Russo's sixth of the season, tying her for the team lead with junior midfielder Sarah Gibbons (Monroe Township, N.J./Monroe Township). It was also Russo's third game-winning goal, which leads the team.
The victory keeps Scranton (8-2-3, 3-0) unbeaten in Landmark Conference play and tied for first with Catholic, while Drew (6-8, 2-2) slips to a tie for third place.
The Royals allowed just six shots and only three on goal in the contest. On the offensive side, Scranton squeezed off 16 shots of its own, 10 of which were on goal. But Drew sophomore goalie Agate Dera (Wallington, N.J./Wallington) made nine saves in regulation before Russo's game-winning tally. Gibbons led the Royals' offense with five shots.
Scranton goalie Kelsy McAnelly (West Chester, Pa./Villa Maria Academy) made three saves in the victory, which was hers and the team's fifth shutout win of the season.
The victory was Scranton's third straight and sixth in the last seven matchups against Drew, including regular season and Landmark Conference championship wins last season.
The Royals return to action Wednesday, October 19 when they host Moravian in a Landmark Conference match at 7 p.m. at Fitzpatrick Field.
--ROYALS--
