09/20/2008
Women's Soccer Outlasts Brandeis University in Overtime, 1-0

WORCESTER, MASS. 09/20/08 - Sophomore midfielder Allison Kennelly's (Irvington, N.Y.) goal just 1:28 into the first overtime lifted the Clark University women's soccer team over the regionally ranked Brandeis University Judges in a non-conference match up at Clark's Granger field. This marked the second time this season the Cougars (3-3) knocked off a regionally ranked squad (they also beat Worcester State, 2-0). Ranked #7 in New England by the latest National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) poll, Brandeis falls to 4-2-1 overall.

Strong defensive efforts by the Cougars and Judges kept the score board blank through the first half. Both teams had solid chances, but could not convert.

Clark's best chance came in the 25th minute when sophomore forward Kristen Murrone (Middletown, CT) broke into the box one-on-one with the goalie and a defender on her hip, but her shot missed high and right.

Brandeis failed to convert on a free kick outside the 18-yard box minutes later. Sophomore Tiffany Pacheco (Rehoboth, MA) took the shot for the Judges but Clark goalie Joanna Clark (Windham, ME) held on for the save.

In the second half, Brandeis and Clark were even with four shots apiece, but neither team could notch a tally. Brandeis freshman midfielder Mimi Theodore (Walpole, MA) ripped a shot from the top of the Clark box but it whistled high and wide with just over eight minutes remaining.

The Cougars capped regulation with a push into the Brandeis half of the field but nothing came of it and the game with into overtime. Kenelly, who started for the Cougars but was replaced just nine minutes in, didnt waste any time putting the Cougars on the board. The sophomore midfielder collected a loose ball in the Brandeis box and guided it into the back of the net past the outstretched arms of Judges keeper Hillary Rosenzweig (Boca Raton, FL.) to win the game. It was Kennellys first goal of the season and second of her collegiate career.

Clark made five saves in goal for the Cougars. Rosenzweig stopped three shots for Brandeis.

Brandeis outshot Clark, 12-10, on the day.

Clark will travel to Keene State College on Wednesday (6:30 p.m.). Brandeis will play at Smith College that same day at 4:30 p.m.

By: Chris Wiklund, Sports Information Intern