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

Bryant plays to home draw with Saint Francis

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant University women's soccer team played to a 1-1 draw with the defending Northeast Conference champions on Sunday afternoon, extending their unbeaten streak to four.

Game Information

Bryant 1, Saint Francis U 1 (2OT)

Records: Bryant 6-4-1 (2-0-1 NEC), Saint Francis U (4-6-3, 2-0-1 NEC)

Location: Bulldog Soccer Field | Smithfield, R.I.

Coach Biggs' Comments

"I thought we played very well today and handled the return from our road trip in a great way. It was a hard-fought game and our effort and focus were noteworthy. Our passing and defending were again at a high level and I was really pleased with the way we were able to turn defense into attack. The players worked very hard and created some excellent chances."

Key Moment

Mariana Jaleca curled her free kick over the Bryant wall and into the bottom corner off a deflection from keeper Meghan Dalton (West Hartford, Conn.) to knot the match at one.

Scoring Summary

  • 3rd minute – Bryant 1, Saint Francis U 0 – Senior Rachel Benz (Stamford, Conn.) knotted her first goal of the season early in the match when she combined with sophomore Remi Manna (Pleasantville, N.Y.) just inside the 18 to create the opening. Benz looped it high over the keeper and into the right netting.
  • 88th minute – Bryant 1, Saint Francis U 1 – The Red Flash drew a foul just outside the 18-yard box that set up the opportunity for Jaleca. Her shot went over the keeper and eyed the bottom left corner. Dalton was able to get a touch, but it did not stay out.

Stats/Notes

  • Along with extending their unbeaten streak, the draw kept the Bulldogs without a loss in conference play at two wins and a draw.
  • Benz's goal is the second of her career. Her other tally came as a game-winner at Stetson last season.
  • Manna recorded her first assist of the year on the goal, increasing her season total to three points.
  • Dalton finished the afternoon with three saves.
  • Freshman Lexi Kraemer (Forest Hill, Md.) finished with four shots on the day, leading all players. Bryant finished with 16 shots to the Red Flash's 12.

Up Next

Bryant has just one game next weekend, an NEC semifinal rematch from a season ago, as they host Fairleigh Dickinson at 1 p.m.