NORTHFIELD, Vt. – The Norwich University women's soccer team battled Rivier University Wednesday evening on Sabine Field but a late goal from the Raiders lifted the visitors to a 2-1 victory over the Cadets in Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) action.
The Cadets wasted little time finding their attacking rhythm, as Heidi Smith (Sammamish, Wash.) opened the scoring in the eighth minute off a rocket from 25 yards out just too high to reach for the Raider goalkeeper.
Rivier responded by generating pressure in the attacking third, but Sophie Olivo (Sanford, Maine) turned aside several early opportunities to preserve the Cadets' lead. Olivo made three saves during the opening half.
Norwich nearly doubled its advantage in the 19th minute when Sophie Guarriello (Barre, Vt.) fired a shot that struck the left post. Smith also tested the Rivier goalkeeper later in the half from inside the 18, but the Raiders' keeper made the save to keep the deficit at one.
The Raiders eventually found the equalizer with just over three minutes remaining before halftime converting a chance in the 42nd minute off an assist from Hayleigh Young, sending the teams into the break tied at 1.
The Cadets continued to push forward after halftime, looking to regain the lead. Rivier forced a difficult save from Olivo early in the second half before Norwich began generating chances of its own off the momentum of the outstretched save in the bottom left corner.
Norwich nearly reclaimed the advantage in the 59th minute when Smith struck the crossbar off a corner. The Cadets continued to apply pressure in the final third, earning multiple corners and creating additional opportunities throughout the half.
Colby Magoon (Loudon, N.H.) forced a save from Rosario in the 58th minute, while Emma Korrow (Northfield, Vt.) and Melanie Winters (Montpelier, Vt.) also registered second-half chances for Norwich continuing to generate dangerous chances.
The Cadets again came inches away from finding the go-ahead goal in the 80th minute when Guarriello's attempt found the left woodwork for the second time in the match.
As the clock continued to wind down, both sides remained aggressive in search of the decisive goal. Olivo kept Norwich level with saves in the 79th minute and the 88th minute.
Rivier ultimately broke through in the 86th minute, finding the back of the net to give the Raiders a 2-1 lead with just four minutes left to play.
Norwich continued to push for an equalizer in the closing minutes and earned a corner with just over a minute remaining, but the Cadets were unable to find the final touch needed to equalize.
The Cadets finished the match with 11 shots, putting six attempts on frame, while Rivier held a 20-11 advantage in total shots and a 9-6 edge in shots on goal.
Smith led the Cadets offensively with four shots and three shots on goal while scoring Norwich's lone goal. Olivo finished with seven saves in goal, a career high.
Norwich returns to action Saturday, Sept. 19, when the Cadets travel to Lasell University for a 3 p.m. GNAC matchup in Newton, Mass.
