NORTH DARTMOUTH, Mass. — Following Saturday's 4-1 comeback victory over Western New England at Bayside Field, the Roger Williams University women's soccer team continued its unbeaten start Tuesday evening, battling UMass Dartmouth to a 1-1 draw at Cressy Field. The Hawks once again found themselves facing a second-half deficit before Ava Amatulli (Danbury, Conn.) scored to help the Hawks complete the draw.
Roger Williams controlled the match offensively, outshooting the Corsairs 31-4 and earning 11 corner kicks compared to just one for UMass Dartmouth. With the draw, RWU moves to 3-0-5 overall and 2-0-0 in Conference of New England play.
Hawks Set the Tone
Roger Williams controlled the opening half, recording 16 shots while holding UMass Dartmouth without a shot. The Hawks also earned five corner kicks before halftime and consistently tested Corsairs goalkeeper Emma Juelis.
Mya D'Antonio (Marshfield, Mass.) led the offensive attack with 10 shots, including seven on goal, while Beth Yucius (Duxbury, Mass.) added seven shots. Isabella Vena (Haverhill, Mass.) and Meghan Goutink (Hauppauge, N.Y.) also registered shots on target as RWU continued to create opportunities and pressure the Corsairs.
Corsairs Break Through
Despite the Hawks' offensive control, UMass Dartmouth struck first early in the second half. Lizzy Thompson (Holland, Mass.) turned aside the Corsairs' first shot of the afternoon in the 47th minute, but UMass Dartmouth found the breakthrough in the 59th minute when Jesse Ayres scored to give the Corsairs a 1-0 lead.
The Hawks responded by continuing to press forward, looking to once again overcome a second-half deficit.
Amatulli Answers
Roger Williams found its response in the 68th minute when Amatulli found the back of the net to bring the Hawks level at 1-1. The Danbury, Conn., native finished one of her two shots on the afternoon, helping RWU score their first goal of the afternoon.
The Hawks nearly took the lead moments later when D'Antonio struck the crossbar in the 69th minute before forcing another save from Juelis. RWU continued to attack as the match moved toward its final minutes.
Hawks Look to Close Out
Roger Williams continued to generate chances down the stretch, finishing the second half with 15 shots and six additional corner kicks. D'Antonio created another opportunity in the 85th minute, while Logan DiFatta (Simsbury, Conn.) put a late shot on target in the 89th minute, but Juelis turned aside both chances.
RWU finished the afternoon with a commanding 31-4 advantage in shots and held an 11-1 edge in corner kicks. Thompson recorded one save for the Hawks, while Juelis finished with 11 saves for UMass Dartmouth.
The draw keeps Roger Williams unbeaten through its first eight matches of the season and extends the Hawks' unbeaten start in CNE play.
WHAT'S NEXT?
The Hawks return to Bayside Field on September 25th where they continue Conference of New England play against Endicott. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m.
