BRIDGEWATER, Mass. (taken from a Bridgewater State press release) – The 13th-ranked Brandeis University women's soccer team remained unbeaten today as they edged host Bridgewater State University, 1-0, on Wednesday afternoon at Swenson Field.
The visiting Judges improve to 3-0, while the Bears slip to 0-2.
Senior forward Lea McDaniel (Phoenix, Ariz./Chaparral) tallied the game's only goal in the 14th minute of play. McDaniel corralled a loose ball just inside the 18 and ripped a shot that was deflect by the leaping BSU keeper and then caromed off the bottom of the crossbar and into the back of the net. The goal marked McDaniel's third of the season, all of which have been game-winners. Of her 13 career goals, seven have been the difference makers.
Brandeis nearly made it a two-goal game in the closing seconds of the first half, but a point blank range shot by sophomore midfielder Sasha Sunday (Bethlehem, Pa./Allentown Central Catholic) from eight yards out was easily turned aside by BSU junior netminder Lauren DeSousa (Taunton, Mass.).
DeSousa also made a terrific diving stop on a header by senior defender Jessica Morana (Shrewsbury, Mass./Shrewsbury) off a corner kick in the 12th minute.
Junior midfielder Courtney Pepin (Uxbridge, Mass.) had the best scoring chance for the Bears in the first half as her shot from the top of the 18 sailed just over the crossbar less than five minutes into the contest.
Brandeis continued to hold the edge in play in a scoreless second half. The Judges finished with a 21-5 shot advantage for the game as well as a 15-1 edge in corner kicks.
DeSousa kept it a one-goal game as she made ten saves on the afternoon including seven over the final 45 minutes. She made a fine stop on a shot by McDaniel in the 75th minute, and was helped out by the crossbar in the 83rd minute as a header by Sunday off a corner kick rang the iron.
Brandeis senior goaltender Alexis Grossman (Syosset, N.Y./Syosset) made two saves to record her third straight shutout. Grossman has not allowed a goal in 270 minutes to open the season. The shutout was the 15th of her career.
The Bears travel to Plymouth State University on Saturday afternoon for a 1:30 game with the Panthers, while the Judges head to Regis College for a four o'clock game with the Pride.