Bulldogs start weekend off with win

WOMEN'S SOCCER TOPS DELAWARE ST., 2-1, IN FRIDAY'S MATCH IN SMITHFIELD

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant University women's soccer team defeated Delaware St. University, 2-1, Friday afternoon in Smithfield.

The Bulldogs (4-4) netted two second half goals, including the game-winning score in the 87th minute by Ari Goldberg (East Bridgewater, Mass.) to propel them to their fourth win of 2012.

Bryant opened the game with multiple scoring opportunities, but was unable to put away an early goal. Freshman Rachael Ivanicki (Colts Neck, N.J.) had two shots in the first 20 minutes that were stopped by Hornet keeper Katelyn Koslosky.

The lone score of the first half came in the 31st minute when Delaware St. sophomore Chelsea Boursiquot broke away from the defense and beat Bryant goalkeeper Lauren Viverito (Dayton, N.J.) one-on-one to give the Hornets the 1-0 advantage entering the half.

The Bulldogs were able to equalize just minutes into the second half when senior Alex Bengston (Andover, Mass) was fouled in the box to set up a penalty kick. Bengston snuck it past the keeper to the bottom right corner of the net to tie the game at 1-1.

"We have had a lot of close, one goal games this season," said Bryant head coach Chris Flint. "That means that we are in almost every match, but it is also important that we win those close games."

In the 87th minute, Goldberg received a pass from Ivanicki on the right side of the field and lofted a beautiful shot from 25 yards out to the far post, to give the Bulldogs the 2-1 advantage.

The Black and Gold outshot the Hornets 22-4 in the contest (13-2 in shots on goal). Koslosky finished the game with 11 saves, while Viverito had one stop in the match.

The Bulldogs will have a quick turnaround this weekend as they prepare for a showdown with Vermont on Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m.

"Vermont is an unfamiliar opponent," said Flint. "But we need to continue to work on our consistency for a full 90 minutes."

For links to live stats and streaming video and all the latest information on the Bryant University women's soccer team, visit BryantBulldogs.com.