BRISTOL, R.I. — The Roger Williams University women's soccer team earned a 2-1 victory over Johnson & Wales University Wednesday afternoon at Bayside Field, as junior midfielder Isabella Vena (Haverhill, Mass.) delivered the second-half game-winner to lift the Hawks to another Conference of New England (CNE) victory. Roger Williams improves to 6-1-6 overall and 4-1-1 in CNE play.
Hawks Strike First in the Opening Half
Roger Williams opened the scoring at 24:32 to take a 1-0 lead. The Hawks generated several opportunities throughout the opening half, with junior midfielder Meghan Goutink (Hauppauge, N.Y.), sophomore midfielder Camryn Dickinson (Quaker Hill, Conn.), senior forward Mya D'Antonio (Marshfield, Mass.), and senior midfielder Casey Donnelly (Norwalk, Conn.) among those looking to create chances. The Hawks recorded seven first-half shots and carried their one-goal advantage into halftime.
Vena Delivers the Game-Winner
Johnson & Wales responded in the second half, as Mia Mangano scored at 59:50 off an assist from Sofia Soares to even the contest at 1-1.
The Hawks answered just over five minutes later. At 65:29, junior midfielder Isabella Vena (Haverhill, Mass.) found the back of the net to put Roger Williams back in front, 2-1. Vena's second-half game-winner proved to be the difference, giving the Hawks the lead they would maintain for the remainder of the contest.
Roger Williams continued to generate chances down the stretch, with sophomore midfielder Chloe Watson (Bethlehem, Pa.) putting three shots on target and sophomore forward Logan DiFatta (Simsbury, Conn.), senior midfielder Beth Yucius (Duxbury, Mass.), sophomore midfielder Ava Villella (Franklin, Mass.), and first-year midfielder Madelyn Riebold (Deep River, Conn.) also contributing shots.
Thompson and the Hawks Close It Out
Junior goalkeeper Lizzy Thompson (Holland, Mass.) played all 90 minutes between the posts, recording two saves to help preserve the victory. Roger Williams finished with a 14-8 advantage in shots and a 7-3 edge in shots on goal, creating consistent pressure throughout the contest.
The Hawks' defense held firm during the closing stages, with Thompson making key stops to deny the Wildcats an equalizer and secure the 2-1 CNE victory.
WHAT'S NEXT?
The Hawks return to action on Saturday, Oct. 17, at noon when they travel to Boston, Mass., to take on Suffolk University in a Conference of New England matchup.
