Women’s Soccer Holds Off NEC in GNAC Play, 3-2

Watch: Post-Game Comments (Milton & Laxa)

NASHUA, N.H. – The Rivier women's soccer team were victorious in their Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) home opener against New England Col.  on Wednesday night at Joanne Merrill Field, 3-2. With the win the Raiders improved to 1-2-2 (1-0-1 GNAC) while the Pilgrims fall to 0-5 (0-2-0 GNAC). 

The Raiders consistent pressure led to an early opening goal when first-year defender Nadia Laxa played a ball from the back line to junior midfielder Elisabeth Jacob who chipped the opposing goalkeeper to give the Raiders a 1-0 lead. Four minutes later the Pilgrims equalized with their first shot on goal to bring the game level at one apiece.  

Laxa played the role of maestro, recording her second assist when she played a ball to sophomore attacker Camryn Blatchford who placed her shot into the bottom right corner of the net to take a 2-1 lead. With just two minutes to play in the half, the Pilgrims took advantage of a failed clearance and leveled the score at 2-2 heading into the halftime break. 

Sophomore midfielder Drea Dwyer gave Rivier a 3-2 lead in the 53rd minute when she dribbled down the left wing, cut inside, and rifled her shot past the outstretched arms of the goalkeeper to see the game out as a 3-2 win for the Raiders. 

The Raiders outshot the Pilgrims, 31-5, with Rivier putting 12 shots on target compared to New England Col. four. 

Junior goalkeeper Bri Nugent recorded two saves in the contest. 

The Raiders look to build on the momentum on Saturday, September 14 as they travel to conference opponent, Mitchell, at Alumni Field in New London, CT. with kickoff set for 12:00 pm.