Photo by: DSPics.com
Photo by: DSPics.com

Bryant records first clean sheet in win over Holy Cross

WORCESTER, MASS. – The Bryant University women's soccer team posted its first clean sheet of the 2018 season, defeating Holy Cross 2-0 on Thursday night in the first of its six-game road trip.

Game Information

Bryant 2, Holy Cross 0

Records: Bryant 3-2-0, Holy Cross 2-4-0

Location: Linda Johnson Smith Soccer Stadium | Worcester, Mass.

Coach Biggs' Comments

"I thought we played our most consistent and best half of soccer over the first 45 minutes. Defensively, we were tough and organized. In attack, we passed the bal well, created some excellent opportunities and scored two very good goals to put us up. In the second half, we were not as sharp offensively, but our defense was very good in and around the box to earn the shutout."

Key Moment

Senior Cayla D'Amico (Grafton, Mass.) started the scoring again, giving Bryant all it would need on the night. After a shot from sophomore Amanda Spitaleri (Ronkonkoma, N.Y.) went wide, D'Amico's initial shot was blocked. The rebound came out to her and a curler into the upper left corner earned Bryant the opening goal.

Scoring Summary

  • 19th minute – Bryant 1, Holy Cross 0 – D'Amico's goal came after a great run of play that started with Spitaleri firing a shot on goal two minutes earlier. After winning the ball in the air, Bryant was able to push forward again, creating the havoc in the box that resulted in the senior D'Amico's strike.
  • 36th minute – Bryant 2, Holy Cross 0 – Freshman Corinne Rey (Norton, Mass.) scored the first goal of her collegiate career after getting on the end of a cross and heading it towards goal. The Crusaders keeper punched it right back to her on the end line and she rolled it into the far-side netting to give Bryant a doubled advantage.

Stats and Notes

  • D'Amico scored her third goal of the last four games, increasing her season point total to seven on the year. That doubles her career total entering the year.
  • After outshooting the Crusaders 10-2 in the first half, the Bryant defense held strong, withstanding 10 Holy Cross attempts in the second half. The final margin was 12-11 in favor of Holy Cross.
  • The Crusaders held the corner margin, attempting eight to Bryant's three.
  • Sophomore Meghan Dalton (West Hartford, Conn.) made six saves in the first solo shutout of her career, including four in the second 45 minutes.
  • Spitaleri recorded a pair of shots on goal in her return to the starting XI. D'Amico and Rey also added two.
  • Rey led all Bulldogs with three shots, while Spitaleri, D'Amico, senior Rachel Benz (Stamford, Conn.) and sophomore Katie Cronin (Feeding Hills, Mass.) all added a pair.

Up Next

The Bulldogs continue their road trip on Sunday afternoon against UMass Lowell. The match in Lowell, Mass. is scheduled for a 4 p.m. kickoff.