WORCESTER, Mass. (September 6, 2025) – The WNE women's soccer team was in Worcester, Massachusetts, on Saturday to take on Clark University. The Golden Bears fell behind early, but first-year Natalia Estrada Rangel served as the hero for WNE, as they wrestled a tie from imminent defeat in the 85th minute.
Records:
- Western New England: 1-1-1 (0-0-0)
- Clark University: 2-0-1 (0-0-0)
How it Happened:
First Half:
- With Ainsley Napolitano and Gabrielle Huryn in goal for the Golden Bears and Cougars, respectively, the contest began.
- Clark had many of the early opportunities, including the first corner kick and the first five shots.
- The fifth shot came from Georgia Louis, who found the back of the net for Louis' first goal of the season, and Clark led 1-0 in the 19th minute.
- WNE answered with a shot saved, but Clark continued to increase their shot advantage on the scoreboard.
- WNE would not have another shot during the first half, and at the end of the first half, Clark led in shots 14-1, shots on goal 6-1, corner kicks 2-0, and fouls 4-2. WNE led in saves 6-1.
Second Half:
- The second half saw WNE calm down and gain more possession.
- However, shots were on Clark's side early. Ainsley Napolitano kept making save after save to keep WNE in the game.
- WNE started to gain some true momentum in the 71st minute by earning a corner kick, which led to a shot saved by Huryn and another shot blocked just after that.
- Clark answered with some opportunities, but WNE would not quit. Natalia Estrada Rangel entered the second half in the 78th minute, and after a few shots from both teams, Estrada Rangel had a chance.
- A corner kick from Emma Withington entered the 18-yard box, and Natalia Estrada Rangel connected with the pass. The ball got past the keeper, and the first-year forward tied the game for WNE in the 85th minute.
- Clark answered with some chances, but no more goals were scored, and WNE tied Clark 1-1.
Inside the Lines:
- WNE and Clark tied 1-1 in a hard-fought battle.
- Georgia Louis scored the first goal for Clark in the 19th minute.
- Natalia Estrada Rangel answered the goal in the 85th minute with a goal assisted by Emma Withington's corner kick.
- The final stats saw Clark lead in shots 28-5, shots on goal 11-4, corner kicks 8-2, and fouls 10-5.
- Ainsley Napolitano had 10 saves on the day.
- WNE had more saves than Clark, 10-3.
Up Next on the Schedule:
- The Golden Bears will return to Suprenant Field to host Union College on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 4:00 PM.