Adelphi Scores with 10 Seconds Left to Sink Merrimack

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 24^th 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 37^th 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 64^th 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 73^rd 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.