BRISTOL, R.I. — A different ending. A bigger statement. The Roger Williams University women's soccer team delivered when it mattered most, rallying past sixth-seeded Endicott College, 2-1, on Saturday afternoon at Bayside Field to advance to the Conference of New England (CNE) Tournament Semifinals.
The victory marks a significant step forward for the Hawks, who saw their postseason run come to an end in the first round of last year's tournament against the University of New England. This time around, Roger Williams came through with a postseason victory, showing its growth and determination on its home field.
The win also served as a statement in a rematch against Endicott. The two teams previously met on September 25 at Bayside Field, playing to a 1-1 draw. With a spot in the semifinals on the line, the Hawks found a way to finish the job.
Hawks Respond to Early Endicott Goal
Endicott opened the scoring in the seventh minute, taking a 1-0 lead on a goal from Belle Johnson at 6:58.
Roger Williams responded less than nine minutes later. At the 15:15 mark, sophomore defender Meghan Goutink (Hauppauge, N.Y.) found the back of the net off an assist from senior midfielder Beth Yucius (Duxbury, Mass.), evening the score at 1-1.
The Hawks continued to generate opportunities throughout the opening half, putting seven shots on goal and earning five corner kicks. The teams headed into halftime tied at one.
Donnelly Delivers Late Game-Winner
With the match still level deep into the second half, Roger Williams continued to push for the go-ahead goal. That breakthrough came in the 83rd minute.
At 82:14, senior midfielder Casey Donnelly (Norwalk, Conn.) buried the game-winning goal off an assist from senior captain Mya D'Antonio (Marshfield, Mass.), giving the Hawks a 2-1 advantage.
From there, Roger Williams held off Endicott for the remainder of the contest to secure the first-round victory.
Junior goalkeeper Lizzy Thompson (Holland, Mass.) played all 90 minutes in net, recording two saves as the Hawks closed out the win.
Roger Williams finished with a 13-5 advantage in shots and a 7-5 edge in corner kicks, while putting nine shots on target.
What's Next?
The Hawks advance to the CNE Tournament Semifinals, where they will travel to Cambridge, Mass., to face second-seeded Suffolk University on Tuesday, November 3, at 7:00 p.m.
