October 20, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Felicia J. Prater
(305) 205-4236
WPI Soccer Defeats Smith 2-1
Northampton, MA: The Pioneers lost to New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) rival WPI, 2-1 this afternoon. With the loss, Smith fell to 3-10-1 overall and 2-4-1 in the NEWMAC while WPI improved to 7-9-0 on the season and 3-4-0 in league play.
WPI got on the board early in the 18th minute of play on a goal by junior Kristen Garza (Kingston, MA). The play assisted by first year Lindsey Grasis (E. Brookfield, MA) was set up with a steal by Grasis who passed it to Garza who then dribbled up field and snuck it into the net by Smith's diving goalkeeper, sophomore Lindsey Gregor (Bradenton, FL). Smith finally got on the board after three missed scoring opportunities right before the end of the half. Junior Bryce Bludevich (Colchester, VT) fielded a corner kick to senior Etta Grover-Silva (Arcata, CA) who headed the ball into the goal right above WPI's first year goalkeeper Rebecca Newman (Howell, NJ).
The Pioneers were able to buckle down on WPI's fast paced offense late into the game. However, in the 75th minute of play, Garza broke free from a double team and headed up field alone for a one on one against Gregor. The shot went into the left side of the goal narrowly missing Gregor's fingertips. Disappointed, Coach Gabbert said after the game, "we had our chances but didn't put them away; that was the difference in the game."
The Pioneers will be back in action Saturday as they travel to face conference foe Wheaton at 2:00 PM.
Scoring:
17:42 Kristen Garza (Lindsey Grasis)
40:52 Etta Grover-Silva (Bryce Bludevich)
75:00 Kristen Garza
Keepers: Lindsey Gregor (90 mins, 2 GA, 7 saves)
Rebecca Newman (90 mins, 1 GA, 4 saves)
Shots: Smith 10, WPI 13
Corners: Smith 7, WPI 3
