Gray’s Goal Lifts Women’s Soccer to 1-0 Overtime Win Over Salem State

Framingham, Mass.  — Sophomore Laura Gray (Chicopee, Mass.) drilled a direct kick from 25-yards out into the back of the net just 1:08 into overtime to lift the Framingham State University women's soccer team to a 1-0 win over Salem State this morning during Homecoming and Parent's Weekend at Framingham's Maple Street Field.           

With the win, the Rams improve to 2-1 in the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) and they even their record at 5-5 overall.  The loss drops the Vikings to 3-6-1 overall and 0-3 in the MASCAC. 

Senior Jill Johnson (Mansfield, Mass.), who was making only her second collegiate start in goal for the Rams, made five saves in the game and picked up her second consecutive shutout victory.  Johnson is usually a midfielder for the Rams but has been starting in goal after an injury has sidelined the Rams starting goalkeeper.

Junior Leah Potcner (Wilmington, Mass.) picked up the loss in goal for the Vikings as she made six saves.

Neither team was able to generate much offense in the first half as the action centered around the midfield area. 

The Rams had the first quality scoring chance of the second half as junior Kerry Kiley (Mansfield, Mass.) had a clean look at the net, but her shot sailed just over the crossbar.  Just a few minutes later, the Vikings had an opportunity to break the scoreless tie as KatyLyn Verrette (Saugus, Mass.) lofted a shot at the net that Johnson was able to knock away.

The game would remain scoreless and head into overtime where the Rams were awarded a direct kick after a Salem State foul setting up Gray's game winner.

The Rams return to action next Saturday as they host MCLA at 1 p.m., while the Vikings host Plymouth State on Tuesday at 7 p.m.