Wooster Slips Past Allegheny Behind First-Half Goal
MEADVILLE, Pa. – Erika Kay scored on a loose ball in front of the Allegheny net 19 minutes into regulation, and visiting Wooster rode that early finish to a 1-0 victory over the Gators in women's soccer action on Wednesday.
It was a disappointing result for an Allegheny club that had been virtually unbeatable at home over the last three seasons. Wooster spent less than five minutes in the offensive third during Wednesday's second half as the Gators orchestrated numerous build-ups in keeping the ball deep in the Fighting Scots' territory. Despite a commanding edge in possession, the Gators didn't have a shot in the frame until a near-goal by Greta Hilbrands in the 90th minute was tipped away on a beautiful lunging effort by Wooster net minder Michele Ring.
Ring faced and stopped eight shots, including seven saves in the first half. The win kept Wooster among the unbeaten in NCAC play (2-0-0) while the Gators, who have appeared in the league Championship the last two years, dropped their third straight game against the conference slate.
At 18:21 of the opening half, Kay provided all the offense the Scots would need as she buried her sixth goal of the season. Lily Mohre ignited the scoring chance with a cross from the right side to the short-side post. Allegheny keeper Kylie Mason jumped on the service, but was unable to corral the ball cleanly. Kay jumped at the loose ball along the goal line, kicking it off of Mason's fingertips and into the back of the net.
The Gators, who held a 10-5 edge in shots during the first 45 minutes of action, controlled the play for a majority of the second frame, but were unable to generate any real scoring chances. Freshman Lauren Miller delivered a number of great balls off corner opportunities, but the Wooster defense stepped up to deny the potential equalizer on each occasion.
Allegheny nearly found the equalizer in the final minute of play as Miller sent in a great looking cross on a free kick, but Hilbrands' header was stabbed away by Ring to ensure Wooster's first regular-season victory over the Blue and Gold since 2007.
