10/02/2007
Early Goal Lifts MIT Past Women's Soccer

CAMBRIDGE, MASS. 10/02/07 - Senior Amy Ludlum scored an improbable goal in the first minute of Tuesday afternoon’s match to lift MIT women’s soccer to a 1-0 victory over Clark University at Steinbrenner Stadium in a key New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference contest.

Tied for second place in the NEWMAC standings, MIT (7-3-0, 2-1-0) scored the lone goal of the battle after 31 ticks on the clock. On the Engineers’ opening possession, sophomore Liz Theurer slid a 10-yard pass to Ludlum from right to left about 35 yards in front of the Clark (4-5-2, 1-2-0) goal. The senior forward received the pass before firing what initially seemed like a harmless shot toward the Cougars’ net. With a gusty wind at the back of the ball, Ludlum’s shot continued to carry until lifting over the head of sophomore keeper Joanna Clark (Windham, Me.).

The goal served as Ludlum’s league-leading 14th finish of the season.

After the unlucky surrender by the Cougars, the rest of the match was evenly played. Shots (14-13 MIT), corners (5-5), and fouls were all nearly even, while there were few great chances for either squad. Both teams did enjoy a late opportunity, although neither club could capitalize. With 16 minutes left in regulation, Clark junior Kari Mruz (Hingham, Mass.) drilled a rocket that sailed just high of the crossbar, while Ludlum was stopped on the door step in the 82nd minute after a sensational save by Clark, who finished with eight saves for the Cougars.

Junior Stephanie Brenman secured the shutout win after stopping seven shots in goal.

Clark will host Mount Holyoke College on Saturday (Noon) in a key NEWMAC game.

(Courtesy of MIT Sports Information)