WEST HARTFORD, Conn. — The Roger Williams University women's soccer team delivered a statement victory Saturday afternoon, taking down No. 17 nationally ranked University of Hartford, 2-1, at Al-Marzook Field at Alumni Stadium. After trailing in the 73rd minute, the Hawks responded with two goals in the final 5:06 of regulation, completing a dramatic comeback behind an equalizer from senior captain Mya D'Antonio (Marshfield, Mass.) and a game-winning strike from sophomore Leah Costa (Woodstock, Conn.) with just 23 seconds remaining. The win marked a huge bounce-back performance for Roger Williams, which outshot Hartford 17-8 and finished with a 9-6 advantage in shots on goal.
Thompson Keeps Hawks in the Fight
The Hawks and Hartford traded chances throughout a scoreless first half, with junior goalkeeper Lizzy Thompson (Holland, Mass.) coming up with an early stop on a Hartford penalty kick at 3:24. Thompson denied the attempt and continued to provide a steady presence in goal as Roger Williams worked to find its rhythm.
Hartford held a narrow 4-3 edge in shots during the opening 45 minutes, but the Hawks remained within reach heading into halftime. Thompson finished the contest with five saves over 90 minutes, helping keep Roger Williams in position to mount its late comeback.
D'Antonio Sparks the Comeback
Hartford broke through at 72:33 to take a 1-0 lead, putting the Hawks under pressure late in the second half. Roger Williams answered just over two minutes later. At 74:54, senior captain Mya D'Antonio (Marshfield, Mass.) found the back of the net off a pass from junior Kaitlyn Alagno (Oxford, Conn.), leveling the score at 1-1 and immediately shifting the momentum.
The equalizer ignited the Hawks, who continued to push forward in search of the go-ahead goal. Roger Williams recorded 14 shots in the second half, applying sustained pressure on the Hartford defense and creating opportunities to complete the comeback.
Costa Delivers the Game-Winner
With the match seemingly headed toward a draw, Costa provided the decisive moment. At 89:37, sophomore forward Leah Costa (Woodstock, Conn.) scored to put Roger Williams ahead 2-1, finding the net in the closing seconds of regulation and completing the Hawks' stunning late turnaround.
The goal capped a determined finish from Roger Williams, which finished with 17 total shots and seven corner kicks. After conceding in the 73rd minute, the Hawks scored twice in less than five minutes to secure a signature road victory over a nationally ranked opponent.
WHAT'S NEXT?
The Hawks return to Bayside Field on Wednesday, Oct. 14, to host Johnson & Wales University in a Conference of New England match up. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. in Bristol, R.I.
