09/11/2008
Women's Soccer Upsets Regionally Ranked Worcester State, 2-0

WORCESTER MASS 9/11/08 - The Clark University women's soccer team netted two goals in the first half to upset regionally ranked Worcester State College, 2-0, in an early season non-conference match up on Thursday night at Granger Field. Clark improved to 2-1 overall, while Worcester State, ranked seventh in New England by the latest National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) poll, fell to 2-1-1.

Defenders Jess Mirkin (Wellesley, Mass.) and Julia Rizzo (Westboro, Mass.) scored a goal apiece in the victory.

"It's a great win against a team that is currently regionally ranked, has been one of the top teams locally and has made some good runs in the NCAA tournament," said coach Joe Brady. "Defensively we were solid. Hopefully this is a result that we can build on."

Worcester State took control of the match off the opening whistle, keeping steady pressure on the Clark defenders. The Lancers had an early scoring opportunity when following a Clark foul, Lancer defender Stephanie Demake (Auburn, Mass.) sent a header spinning just wide of the Clark goal.

In the 12th minute, Clark notched its first goal of the contest when Jess Mirkin's service back into the box just over the midfield line ended up past Worcester State goalie Erin Doherty (Uxbridge, Mass.) and put Clark up 1-0.

Mirkin's earlier tally was replicated by her teammate Rizzo with less than three minutes remaining in the half. Rizzo sent a free kick from the midfield into the box, where Doherty was caught out of position to give Clark the 2-0 advantage. It was her first collegiate goal.

Worcester State responded with solid offensive pressure but strong play from Cougar defenders helped keep the Lancers off the board to close out the first half.

Lancer attackers tested Clark goalie Joanna Clark (Windham, Me.) with three shots in the opening ten minutes of the second half, but were unable to convert.

Worcester outshot Clark, 10-8, on the night.

Worcester's Doherty made one save, before giving way to Rachael Armenti (West Boylston, Mass.) (3 saves). Clark got her gloves on five Worcester State shots for the Cougars.

Clark will travel to Connecticut College for a non-conference game on Saturday (11 am). Worcester State will play at WPI next Tuesday (4 p.m.).

By Chris Wiklund, Sports Information Intern