Benton’s Overtime Goal Lifts Women’s Soccer to First Win of the Season
Framingham, Mass. —Junior midfielder Taylor Benton (Elba, NY) scored the game winner 2:03 into overtime to lift the Framingham State University women's soccer team to their first win of the season as they defeated Johnson & Wales 2-1 this afternoon at Maple Street Field. The Rams improve to 1-4 on the season, while the Wildcats fall to 2-4.
Johnson and Wales controlled the pace of the game early, as they had several opportunities to score. With just over 20 minutes remaining in the half, Jacqueline Hammell (Wall, N.J.) headed a cross at the goal, but Framingham State goalkeeper Kaitlyn Rossi (Pepperell, Mass.) knocked the ball away. Samantha Reynolds (Plymouth, Mass.) was there to control the rebound for the Wildcats, but Rossi dove on Reynolds offering to keep the game scoreless.
The Wildcats were finally able to capitalize on a scoring chance in the 27th minute as Reynolds broke through the Rams defense and lofted a shot over Rossi for the game's first goal.
The game would remain 1-0 in favor of Johnson and Wales until the final minute of the half. With time winding down in the half, sophomore forward Laura Gray (Chicopee, Mass.) launched a direct kick from 20 yards out into the back of the net tying the game at 1-1 with four seconds left on the clock.
Neither team could generate much offense in the second half, but the Rams did have a chance to take the lead with just under five minutes remaining in regulation. Senior Melissa Price's (Norwood, Mass.) shot sailed just over the crossbar and the game would head to overtime knotted at 1-1.
In overtime it would take the Rams just over two minutes to score the game winner. Junior Kerry Kiley (Mansfield, Mass.) sent a cross into the box that Benton controlled and knocked home for the game winner and her first of the season.
The Rams outshot the Wildcats 18-8 in the game. Rossi picked her first collegiate win in net making five saves, while senior Jennifer Hurley (Freeport, NY) made six saves and was tagged with the loss for Johnson and Wales.
The Rams return to action on Saturday as the host Massachusetts Maritime at 10 a.m., while the Wildcats travel to St. Joseph's (CT) at 1 p.m.