Norwich University women's soccer scored the only goal of the contest in the 96th minute during the first overtime to take the 1-0 victory over Mount Ida College today in Newton, Massachusetts in Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) play. The Mustangs drop their overall record to 2-4-1, 1-3-0 in the conference play, the Cadets improved to 6-2 and stay perfect at 4-0 in the GNAC.
The entire game was even with both teams exchanging opportunities and pounding the net. Mount Ida would get a crack with 25:30 to go in the first half when junior Katie Lorenco (Mattapoisett, MA/Old Rochester) back heeled a direct kick for senior Elise McLear (Swansea, MA/Case) to hammer; unfortunately the shot was over the right side of the net failing the attempt.
The Cadets would have their own chance on a through ball to senior Becky Scully (Dartmouth, Nova Scotia/Vermont Academy) that she crushed over the top of the goal. The squads headed into the break with the game leaning towards neither of the two teams.
There were more opportunities in the second half for both, but no one could convert. Mustang goalkeeper Meghan Begins (Jericho, VT/Jericho) gave the fans most of the excitement when she stuffed a breakaway by Cadets sophomore Megan Gingras (Williamstown, VT/Williamstown).
The Mustangs had one more chance by freshman Lindsay Hinken (Rehoboth, MA/Dighton-Rehoboth) who crushed one from the top of the 18 yard box with her left that was saved by Norwich goaltender Nicki Hunsicker (Emmaus, PA/Emmaus).
It seemed all but over in the opening minutes of the overtime period when there was a handball called on the Mustangs in the box, awarding the Cadets a penalty kick. Fortunately for Mount Ida, it was iced over the net, giving the hosts another chance for victory.
Not a moment later, Norwich would net the sudden death goal by Scully on a through ball by junior Dawn McNulty (Syracuse, NY/Onondaga Central) that took an awkward bounce and was volleyed into the net. It would end there giving the Cadets the 1-0 victory, their fourth GNAC win of the season.
Mustang goaltender Begins would keep her team alive with 11 saves while Hunsicker tallied three for the visitors. Norwich outshot Mount Ida 25-6.
The Mustangs will stay home and host Rivier College this coming Saturday starting at 2:15 p.m. the second half of a double header with the men's soccer team.