
NORTH ANDOVER, Mass – The Merrimack College women’s soccer team lost in the dying seconds of overtime Saturday afternoon, conceding a goal in the final 10 seconds to Adelphi for a 3-2 final.
The Basics
Score: Merrimack 2, Adelphi 3 | Final (2 OT)
Records: Merrimack (2-1) | Adelphi (2-0)
Location: Martone-Mejail Field| North Andover, Mass.
How It Happened
- Merrimack kept an even game through the first half, edging Adelphi in shots 8-7.
- Both teams goalkeepers were tested early; junior Erin Fultoncleared her line twice in the first 20 minutes, while Adelphi’s Sarah Hofmeier came up with handful of big saves to keep the score level.
- In the 24th minute, Merrimack drew first. After an attempted clear, sophomore Taylor Robertson squared up a shot from the corner of the 18 and floated it over the Adelphi keeper.
- Merrimack nearly doubled their lead in the 37th minute. A set piece from 30 yards out was taken by senior Emily Maier, who just missed the crossbar.
- With four minutes left in the half, Merrimack posted goal number two. A low ball inside the six yard box found freshman Meghan Blanchette, who slotted a pass to sophomore Katelyn Richardson for the easy finish.
- The score stayed at 2-0 until the 64th minute, when the Panthers cut the lead in half. A shot inside the six by Kerianne Scorce got just passed the outstretched hands of Fulton.
- Senior McKenna Moore nearly found the net in the 73rd minute, when a bouncing ball carried outside the 18. Moore squared up the one-timer, which soared just over the crossbar.
- With just under 10 minutes left in regulation, Adelphi tied it. A cross inside the box was timed up with a shot from Madison Raposo, who brought the game level.
- Senior Gigi Guenther had a chance to retake the lead with under a minute left in regulation. A beautiful ball inside the 18 was timed with the head of Guenther, but was pulled back for an offside call.
- The first extra time brought competitive, back-and-forth action, but no scoring opportunities.
- Merrimack’s best scoring opportunity came with three minutes left in the second extra time. A pass in to senior Amber Gustafson, who just missed the post.
- Adelphi took the wind out of the Merrimack sails with 10 seconds left. A low corner bobbled around inside the six, and was eventually put in by Raposo for the game-winner.
Inside The Numbers
- It was the closest statistical game of the season for the Warriors, outshooting the Panthers 23-18.
- Saturday’s game was the first game where Merrimack surrendered a goal.
- Fulton made a season-high six saves.
- Keeper records: Junior Erin Fulton (L, 2-1) // Sarah Hofmaier (W, 1-1)
- Shots (SOG): MER – 23 (11) // MOL 18 (9)
- Corners: MER – 4 // ADE – 5
Up Next
The Warriors will take the next two days off before preparing for their second NE10 matchup of the year. Bentley will be on the turf of Martone-Mejail Field for a 7 p.m. face-off with the Warriors in Merrimack’s fourth straight home game.
