Grasso's first-career goal completes comeback win at Maine

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Freshman Katie Cronin (Feeding Hills, Mass.) found sophomore Marissa Grasso (Shelton, Conn.) inside the six-yard box, who finished off a counterattack in style, to complete the Bryant University women's soccer team's second road comeback of the season as they defeated Maine 2-1 on Thursday afternoon in Orono, Maine.

Game Information

Bryant 2, Maine 1

Records: Bryant 4-1-1, Maine 1-4-1

Location: Orono, Maine

Coach Bigg's Comments

"We started slowly but we did a great job of sticking together. The players on the field kept a really positive attitude and we were able to improve as the game went along. Our defending definitely got better as the game went along. It was another really good team performance as a lot of players were able to contribute to the win."

Key Moment

• As regulation neared its conclusion, the Bulldogs won possession near midfield. In a break that started with Claire Bergh (Calgary, Alberta) and ended with a Cronin pass that beat the keeper and found the feet of Grasso, the Bulldogs were able to take the win.

Scoring Summary 

• 7^th minute – Maine 1, Bryant 0 – The Black Bears starting the scoring early, as Kendra Ridley played a ball through the middle of the Bulldog defense, finding Nicole Bailey who was able to finish and give Maine the early advantage.
• 30^th minute – Bryant 1, Maine 1 – For the second straight game, the Alison Guilmette (Coventry, R.I.) to Remi Manna (Pleasantville, N.Y.) connection combined for a goal, as Guilmette swung a cross in that found the head of Manna, who finished near post to tie the match at the half-hour mark.
• 78^th minute – Bryant 2, Maine 1 – The Bulldogs won possession near midfield and were able to convert on a well-run counterattack, as freshman Arin Smalls (Marlborough, Mass.) fed Cronin, who found Grasso wide open in front for the goal.

Stats/Notes 

• The Bulldogs also came from behind on August 25, when they overcame a 1-0 deficit at Stetson to win 2-1.
• Manna has now compiled five points in her last three games, combining tonight's goal with a tally against Stony Brook and an assist vs. Quinnipiac.
• Guilmette has recorded points in back-to-back games for the third time in her career. She did it twice last season on August 26 and 28, as well as September 30 and October 2.
• Bryant continues their red-hot start to the season, winning four of their first six games for the first time in the Division I era.
• Both Grasso and Cronin recorded their first points as a Bulldog. For Grasso it was her 22^nd career appearance in the black and gold; it was Cronin's 6^th.
• The Bulldogs improved to 2-0-1 against America East opponents this season.
• Bryant won their third consecutive game in Orono in the Division I era.

Up Next

After an eight-day break, the Bulldogs open a three-game homestand on September 15 when they take on Binghamton at 3:00 p.m. at the Bulldog Soccer Field.