Women's Soccer Falls in Season Opener at Clark

Worcester, Mass. – Host Clark University erupted for four unanswered goals in the second half to rally from a 2-1 halftime deficit and post a 5-2 win over Framingham State University in non-league women's soccer action on Thursday evening.

The Cougars (1-1-1) were powered by strong offensive performances from both Janelle Pasternack (North Brookfield, Mass.) and Liz Cumberbatch (Austin, Texas) and the first collegiate victory in goal for freshman Gabby Paolini (North Potomac, Md.).

The Rams (0-1) got on the board first when sophomore Isabela DeSouza (Framingham, Mass.) took a feed from classmate Marisa Parent (Revere, Mass.) and gave the visitors a 1-0 edge less than 13 minutes into the match.

Clark responded, however, as Emma Lynch (Pawtucket, R.I.) set up Pasternack for the equalizer at the 14:45 mark.

Framingham State jumped back ahead as junior Kayla Austin (Winchester, Mass.) notched her first score of the season in the 32nd minute, sending the Rams into halftime with the lead.

Things changed almost instantly in the final 45 minutes as Cumberbatch outraced the FSU defense on a breakaway and scored an unassisted tally less than three minutes into the half.

She was back at it in the 57th minute, collecting her second score of the night in similar fashion, giving the Cougars their first lead at 3-2.

That edge jumped to 4-2 when Pasternack assisted on a Hana Chamoun (Bala Cynwyd, Pa.) marker at 71:41.

Clark closed out the contest Cumberbatch and Pasternack combined for Pasternack's second score at 76:13, giving them both a two-goal, one-assist night.

Paolini, meanwhile, was excellent between the pipes for the Cougars, turning back a career-best eight shots.

Freshman Jess Anthony (Stoneham, Mass.) played all 90 minutes in her collegiate debut for the Rams, collecting six saves.

The Rams actually held a 17-11 edge in shots taken, but the Cougars were able to capitalize on five opportunities – the most goals they have scored since a 5-0 win over Coast Guard back on September 26, 2009.

Clark will return to the pitch on Saturday when they host Worcester State, while the Rams continue their season with a home contest against Southern Maine on Saturday at 3:30 p.m.

Release courtesy of Clark Sports Information.