Bulldogs battle CCSU to 1-1 draw

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Junior midfielder Alex Bengston (Andover, Mass.) headed home her first goal of the season just 48 seconds into regulation, but the Bryant University women's soccer team was forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Central Connecticut State University on Friday, Sept. 30, at Bulldog Stadium.

Hardly a minute after the start of the game, the Bulldogs (4-4-3, 1-1-1 Northeast Conference) were awarded a corner kick after storming out of the gate and pressuring the CCSU defense.  Sophomore midfielder Ari Goldberg (East Bridgewater, Mass.) issued a long service that found its way outside of the box, where freshman defender Samantha Shaw (Irvine, Calif.) came up with the ball and sent it right back on net.  Waiting at the far post was Bengston, who got in front of the defense to head it home in the lower right corner, putting the home team in front, 1-0.  By virtue setting up the play, Shaw earned both her first collegiate assist and point in the process.

But in the 87th minute, the Blue Devils (3-2-4, 0-0-2) were able to draw even with 3:16 remaining in the contest, as defender Annie Freer came up off of her line and situated herself in a crowded penalty box.  Cara Cavallari, who posted a game-high seven shot attempts, sent in a cross along the goal line, where Freer was waiting to head in the tying goal on the left side of the box.

That tally would send the game to overtime, but neither team would convert in either of the 10-minute sessions.  Bryant came close to securing the golden goal on a few occasions, outshooting the visitors by a 9-3 margin between both periods after being outshot 16-10 in regulation.  Senior forward Kaitlyn Hinck (Bow, N.H.) practically converted off a corner kick from Goldberg in the 103^rd minute, but the attempt went high.  Then it was Goldberg registering three consecutive shots, including an attempt in the 106^th minute that nearly ended it, but CCSU goaltender Nikola Deiter came up with one of her game-high seven saves to keep the game going.

Sophomore goaltender Lauren Viverito (Dayton Park, N.J.) received the start for the Bulldogs, turning in a three-save performance while benefiting from one team save early in the first half.  In the process, she lowered her season goals-against average to a 1.31, while the team's GAA shrunk to an impressive 1.29 mark.  She now stands at 2-1-2 on the season. 

The Bulldogs added to their conference-leading corner kicks total, doubling CCSU's amount for a 10-5 edge.  Both teams finished with 19 shots apiece, while Bryant was whistled for one more foul, holding an 11-10 lead in that category.

Next up for the Black and Gold is their final non-conference tilt of the season, as they travel to New York on Sunday, Oct. 2 to take on America East opponent Albany.  Game time is set for 1 p.m.

For continuing coverage of Bryant women's soccer, check back at www.bryantbulldogs.com, and follow the Bulldogs on Twitter @BryantAthletics.