Women's Soccer: Fletcher gives Raiders season opening win at MCLA, 1-0

(North Adams, Mass.) Rivier University sophomore Brittany Fletcher (Tewksbury, Mass.) netted the lone goal as the Raiders were able to capture a 1-0 non-conference victory over Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts this afternoon in the season opener for both squads. It's the program's first season opening win since 2014.

Fletcher's goal came in the 40th minute as she gathered a deflected shot off the foot of freshman Cheyanne Keets (Laconia, N.H.) and ripped a shot to the lower corner that caromed past MCLA keeper Megan Richardson.

In the second half, MCLA had numerous chances to net the equalizer as they outshot the visitors 13-3. MCLA's Kaylyn Holliday had a few good looks, but the best opportunity came with six minutes left when first year player Brooke Mangiardi broke past the Raider defense. She would dribble into the box and get a good angle on senior keeper Lauren Goodspeed (Merrimack, N.H.). Mangiardi ripped a shot that Goodspeed deflected to keep the score at 1-0.

Over the final five minutes, MCLA would get a few shots off, but Goodspeed was up to the task. Goodspeed would end the match with 9 saves to earn her first win of the season. Richardson stopped three shots for MCLA in a losing cause.

MCLA outshot the Raiders in both halves and owned a 22-7 advantage in shots for the match. Rivier will host Nichols College tomorrow night at Raider Field while the Trailblazers continue their five game home stand to open the season on Tuesday when they host St. Joseph (CT) at 4pm.