Box Score Springfield, Mass. (September 18, 2021) – The Western New England University women's soccer team played in their first regular season conference game since October 24, 2019, as they hosted the University of New England from Suprenant Field on Saturday. The lone goal was scored by the Nor'easters projecting them to a 1-0 win over the Golden Bears.
Records:
- Western New England: 3-3 (0-1 CCC)
- University of New England: 4-3 (1-0 CCC)
How it Happened:
Goalkeeper Molly McLaughlin was tested in the early goings of the game, coming up big for the Golden Bears with two early saves to set the tone for Western New England. The Golden Bears were able to turn up the pressure after the two saves from McLaughlin and take a shot on goal of their own, though University of New England goalkeeper Claudia Kenneway denied the chance from Autumn Hathaway to keep the game scoreless.
Western New England would take seven shots in the first half of the game, with two sailing on goal. The Nor'easters would come away with the games first goal in the 38th minute after they were awarded with one of two corner kicks they had in the first half. Bella Reil would take the corner kick as the ball sailed into the box and found the head of Caroline Meuse who angled the ball into the bottom left corner of the net giving the Nor'easters the first goal of the game. Meuse knocks in her second goal of the season, and second as a member of the University of New England to lift the Nor'easters to the early 1-0 advantage. The Golden Bears would be unable to see a chance towards goal in the final seven minutes of the contest, holding the Nor'easters 1-0 lead. At the half, the Golden Bears led 7-5 in total shots, with the Nor'easters having the 2-1 advantage in corner kicks.
The Golden Bears brought the intensity in the second half, looking for their first goal of CCC play. Chances from Allison Bruehwiler, Samantha Vitka, and Autum Hathaway came about for WNE, though Claudia Kenneway stood tall for the Nor'easters, preserving the 1-0 lead for UNE. The Golden Bears saw their best chance come in the final minute of the game after the ball was sent into the box, where it found the foot of Kyleigh Wheaton, though the ball was struck just past the post and wide of the net by Wheaton, icing the game for the Nor'easters.
Inside the Lines:
- Caroline Meuse was the lone goal scorer in the contest, picking up her first goal of the season for the Nor'easters. Meuse took a corner kick header and set it into the goal to lift UNE.
- GK Molly McLaughlin stood tall for the Golden Bears on the afternoon, making three saves on four attempts. Her counterpart Claudia Kenneway came up with all four saves in the win. Kenneway picks up her first shutout of the season.
- WNE outshot the Nor'easters in the second half 10-5, though the Golden Bears took just two shots on goal in the half. UNE took one shot on goal in the half.
- UNE improves to 9-5-3 all time against the Golden Bears, including victories in the last three matchups. UNE defeats Western New England for the first time in Springfield since 2016.
Up Next on the Schedule:
- The Golden Bears will travel to Northampton, Massachusetts for a matchup with Smith College on Tuesday, September 21 at 4:00 pm. WNE is winless against Smith in five matchups.
- UNE will host a nonconference match on Wednesday, September 22 when they host Bates College at Barbra J. Hazard Field at 7:00 pm.
