Women's soccer tops LIU, 4-1, Friday afternoon

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Behind four second half goals, the Bryant University women's soccer team took down LIU Brooklyn, 4-1, Friday afternoon at Bulldog Soccer Field.

After a defensive miscue by the Bulldogs (4-13-1, 2-4-1 Northeast Conference) helped the Blackbirds (4-14-1, 2-5-1 NEC) score the first marker of the contest, Bryant went on to score four goals in less than 14 minutes to run away with their second league win of the season.

"Today was such a great testament to the team," said Bryant head coach Chris Flint. "We had the better chances all day, and they got the fortunate bounce that led to a goal, and our girls just never quit, and to put up four goals after that, all the kudos go to the players.

"They all had a great attitude coming into the weekend, and we're trying to make the most of it, even though we aren't in the NEC mix, we still want to win the final two games and build on it."

Finding themselves down 1-0, sophomore Kianna Woods (Stafford Spring, Conn.) received a great ball inside the box from classmate Abigail Smith (Kingston, N.H.) to knot the score, 1-1, in the 75th minute. Just over two minutes later, junior Sarah Schucker (Nanuet, N.Y.) found freshman Haley Reddish (Natick, Mass.) inside the box for the rookie's first of the year to up the Bulldog lead to 2-1.

Bryant went on to add two more goals in the final 10 minutes of play, first from Melaina Aglieco (Rocky Hill, Conn.) in the 82nd minute and then in the 89th minute on a sweet connection from senior Emily Barbato (Sutton, Mass.) to classmate Katy Biagi (Natick, Mass.) off a corner.

The four tallies by the Black and Gold marks the most in a NEC match in program history and the most by Bryant since a 5-1 victory over The Citadel on Aug. 26, 2012.

Looking ahead, Bryant will wrap up its 2014 season on Sunday when they welcome Robert Morris to Smithfield for Senior Day.

"Hopefully we go into senior day with a lot of energy," added Flint. "It's certainly an emotional day for the six that are playing their final match here at Bryant and I think today helps as far as building momentum into Sunday and I know everyone will be energized and looking forward to it."

For all the latest news on the Bryant University women's soccer team, visit BryantBulldogs.com.