STANDISH, Maine – The Norwich University women's soccer team earned a 1-0 Great Northeast Athletic Conference victory over Saint Joseph's College of Maine Saturday afternoon, using a second-half goal from Lily Briggs (Fair Haven, Vt.) and another strong defensive performance to secure the road shutout.
The Cadets improved to 5-2-1 overall and 2-2-1 in GNAC play with the victory, controlling the offensive opportunities throughout the afternoon. Norwich finished with a 14-7 advantage in total shots and put 10 attempts on frame while limiting Saint Joseph's to just two shots on goal.
Norwich generated several opportunities during the opening half, with Sophie Guarriello (Barre, Vt.) testing the Saint Joseph's goalkeeper twice during the opening 24 minutes. Guarriello's second attempt was saved in the 24th minute as the Cadets continued to apply pressure in the attacking third.
The Cadets continued to create chances as the half progressed. Colby Magoon (Loudon, N.H.) forced a save in the 37th minute, while Heidi Smith (Sammamish, Wash.) put consecutive shots on target late in the opening half. The Saint Joseph's goalkeeper turned aside both attempts to keep the match scoreless heading into halftime.
Norwich goalkeeper Sophie Olivo (Sanford, Maine) also came up with a key save in the closing minutes of the first half, denying a Saint Joseph's attempt to keep the score level at the break. Olivo finished the match with two saves while recording her sixth shutout of the season.
The Cadets continued their offensive pressure immediately after halftime. Guarriello put three more shots on target during the first eight minutes of the second half, while Briggs also forced a save in the 49th minute. Norwich earned back-to-back corner kicks during the stretch as it continued to search for the opening goal.
The breakthrough finally came in the 67th minute. Briggs found the back of the net at the 66:53 mark to give Norwich a 1-0 advantage. The goal was Briggs' second of the season and her first game-winning goal of the year.
Norwich's defense protected the lead over the final 23 minutes, limiting Saint Joseph's to just three shots following the Cadets' goal. Olivo made her second save of the afternoon in the 87th minute to preserve the one-goal advantage.
Magoon nearly added an insurance goal in the 80th minute, hitting the left post as Norwich continued to threaten late in the contest. The Cadets ultimately held on for the 1-0 victory and their sixth shutout of the season.
Norwich returns to action Wednesday September 30th at Regis College in GNAC play.
