Staten Island, NY - Junior tri-captain
Annie White ripped a 35-yard strike that one-hopped past UAlbany's goalkeeper Sophia Chen into the net in the 81
st minute as the Wagner women's soccer team picked up a 2-1 home victory over the Great Danes at Hameline Field on Sunday afternoon.
With the win, the Seahawks even their overall record to 3-3-0 while UAlbany falters to 1-4-1 on the season.
Albany tried to clear the ball from their end of the field but White was in the right position to intercept the pass. Without hesitation, the third-year Seahawk defender ripped one for her second goal of the season.
Both teams were held off the scoreboard in the first half of action, but, the visitors controlled the tempo for the majority of the first half, outshooting the Seahawks, 13-3, and held a 6-2 edge with shots on target.
Wagner freshman goalkeeper
Sam Hughes, making her first start at home, was tested early and often in the early portion of the contest. In the 23
rd minute, Jasmine Colbert headed the ball down to control it and send one that was angling to the bottom right of the net, but, Hughes, made a remarkable diving stop, preserving the scoreless tie.
The Seahawks' best chance in the frame came in the 27
th minute as freshman forward Clarie Janis dribbled up the right side of the field and angled a shot that found the open arms of Chen, denying Wagner a scoring chance.
UAlbany opened the second with five shots over the first 12 minutes of the frame, all of which unable to find their mark, with the last one from Jada Colbert sailing right of the goal.
Following a foul called on the Great Danes, Wagner was able to push the ball up and send the ball into the box. Chen stepped up and cleared it away, but senior midfielder
Gabby Cipriano was able to locate the loose ball through a logjam of Albany defenders and push one to the low left of the goal, giving Wagner the 1-0 advantage.
Moments later, Albany drew a foul inside the box and was awarded a penalty shot. Jasmine Colbert stepped up for the attempt and drew Hughes to her right before sending the shot attempt left, evening the score at 1-1.
White finished the contest with a team-high three shots, which included her second goal of the season. Hughes was credited with eight saves on the afternoon on 25 shots faced in picking up her first career win.
Wagner continues its homestand at Hameline Field on Thursday, September 16, as the Seahawks will fact their second straight America East opponent in UMBC. Kickoff is set for 5:00 p.m.
Postgame Conference:
