NORTHFIELD, Vt. – The Norwich University women's soccer team controlled the majority of the offensive opportunities but could not find the breakthrough, playing Simmons University to a 0-0 draw Tuesday afternoon at Sabine Field.
The Cadets finished the match with an 18-3 advantage in total shots and a 9-1 edge in shots on goal. Norwich's defensive unit limited Simmons to just three total shots throughout the 90 minutes.
Norwich came out aggressively in the opening minutes, earning three corners within the first four minutes while creating several early chances. Colby Magoon (Loudon, N.H.) hit the left post in the third minute before Blythe McQuade (Poughkeepsie, N.Y.), Heidi Smith (Sammamish, Wash.) and Sophie Guarriello (Barre, Vt.) each tested the Simmons defense simultaneously.
Lily Briggs (Fair Haven, Vt.) continued to create opportunities throughout the opening half, recording four shots before halftime, including two attempts on target. The Simmons goalkeeper kept the Cadets off the scoreboard with six first-half saves.
Norwich goalkeeper Sophie Olivo (Sanford, Maine) also came up with a lone save in the opening half, helping keep the match scoreless heading into halftime. Olivo finished the afternoon with just that one save while recording her fifth shutout of the season.
The Cadets continued to apply pressure following the halftime break. Emma Korrow (Northfield, Vt.) forced another save in the 59th minute, while Guarriello continued to threaten in the attacking third with two second-half shots one of which was one on one with the goalkeeper.
From that point on, the Cadets continued knocking on the door, establishing possession in the attacking third and finding opportunities in and behind the Sharks backline.
Norwich maintained its pressure throughout the final 25 minutes, earning three additional corners while continuing to search for the go-ahead goal. Smith and Briggs each recorded late attempts, but the Simmons goalkeeper turned aside the chances to preserve the shutout. Briggs' attempt in the 89th minute marked Norwich's final shot on target of the afternoon.
The Cadets ultimately settled for their first draw of the season despite holding a significant advantage in shots, shots on goal, and overall possesion. Norwich's defense kept Simmons from generating consistent attacking opportunities.
Norwich returns to action Saturday, Sept. 26, when the Cadets travel to face Saint Joseph's College of Maine at 1:30 p.m..
