Last-minute goal propels Explorers past Umass

Amherst, Mass – The La Salle University Women’s Soccer team stunned the University of Massachusetts, 2-1, today in a pivotal Atlantic 10 matchup. With the win, the Explorers improve to 5-4-0 in the conference and sole possession of 4th place.

Senior Shannon Plunkett (Brick, NJ/Brick Memorial) scored the game-winner with just 1:14 remaining on the clock, converting a corner kick from Heather Barclay (Staten Island, NY/St. Joseph by the Sea).

The Explorers (9-6-2, 5-4-0) overcame a sluggish first half in which they were outshot 9-to-3. Umass scored first when Britt Canfield deposited a low-liner in the right corner, taking a feed from Lindsey Bellini and Jenny Roehrig.

Umass led, 1-0, at halftime.

But it seemed as if a different Explorer team came out in the second half. Kelly Lyons (Voorhees, NJ/Bishop Eustace) bent one like Beckham in the 72nd minute to knot the score at 1-1. It was her third goal of the season. Kim Lisun (Deptford, NJ/Deptford) and Alexis Petrucci(Abington, PA/Bishop McDevitt) were credited with the assists.

After that, the teams traded chances until Plunkett inserted the dagger with 1:14 to play. Kerry Schamberger (Levittown, NY/St. Anthony's) made five saves for the victory.

The Explorers return home next weekend for a pair of crucial games against Xavier and Dayton. The game versus Xavier will be on Friday, October 29th at 1:00 PM.