Benz's first-career goal gives Bulldogs come-from-behind victory at Stetson

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Junior midfielder Rachel Benz (Stamford, Conn.) converted on a Haley Reddish (Natick, Mass.) ball into the area in the 60^th minute, her first career goal, and the Bryant University women's soccer team came back from a 1-0 halftime deficit to take down Stetson 2-1 in DeLand, Fla. on Friday night.

Game Information

Bryant 2, Stetson 1

Records: Bryant (2-0-1), Stetson (1-2)

Location: DeLand, Fla.

Coach Biggs' Comments

"In the second 45 minutes, we were definitely more confident and played more directly. There was space behind their back line and we were able to take advantage … Rachel [Benz] has worked really hard in these early games and the preseason and the goal reflected that. She was able to fight and scrap with some of their defenders to make sure it crossed the line." 

Key Moment

• In the 60^th minute, the Bulldogs were pressuring the right flank and it all paid off when Reddish took the ball in the top right hand corner of the box and Benz was able to get a deflection and the ball rolled across the line before the keeper could get to it, giving the Bulldogs the lead for good.

Scoring Summary

• 15^th Minute – Stetson 1, Bryant 0 -- A long ball from the left flank found Sarah Collins in the middle of the box. She was able to chest it down and fire it into the upper right corner to give Stetson an early lead.
• 46^th Minute – Stetson 1, Bryant 1 – A cross into the box from the far flank created havoc in the area and an attempted clearance from Stetson ended up in the net.
• 60^th Minute – Bryant 2, Stetson 1 – More pressure from Bryant resulted in a cross into the middle and Benz was able to put it home in traffic.

Stats/Notes 

• Bryant is unbeaten in their first three games for the first time since 2007-08.
• In her junior season, Benz's first career goal came on her fifth career shot and her third career shot on goal.
• The Bulldogs' scoreless streak to start the season came to an end in 214 minutes.
• Bryant is now unbeaten in their last five road games (4-0-1) dating back to last season.
• Andy Biggs' club is showing great balance in their attack, with their five goals being split amongst four different goalscorers, with one being an own goal.

Up Next

Bryant's two-game road swing continues when they head to Hamden, Conn. to take on Quinnipiac at 3:00 p.m.