WALTHAM, Mass. – Brandeis University women's soccer senior
Rachel Watler (Stevenson Ranch, Calif./West Ranch) scored a pair of goals 3:20 apart late in the second half to rally the #23-ranked Judges past Trinity College, 2-1, in a Homecoming contest on Gordon Field today.
TEAM RECORDS
- Brandeis, 8-1, ranked #23 in Division III by United Soccer Coaches.
- Trinity, 1-6.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Despite controlling play and outshooting Trinity, 17-5, the Judges looked like they might fall victim to the upset when the Bantams scored the only goal of the first half in the 10th minute.
- Emma Almony's cross from the left flank looked to be corralled by Brandeis grad transfer goalie Rachel Ross (Portchester, N.Y./Somers), but the ball took a funny hop. Trinity's Elena Lindonen took advantage of the open net to score her first of the season.
- The visitors almost got a similar second goal early in the second half, but Alyssa Keane's ball was cleared off the line by first-year defender Georgia Auerbach (Menlo Park, Calif./Menlo-Atherton).
- The Judges pressed the advantage and finally broke through in the 79th minute when first-year forward Peterly Leroy (Malden, Mass./Prospect Hill Academy Charter School) was hauled down in right side of the 18-yard box, drawing a penalty kick. Watler drilled the PK into the left netting, beating Trinity's Lily Bracken.
- Brandeis's continued pressure led to the game-winning goal in the 82nd minute. A cross from the left side led to poor clearance from the Trinity defense. Watler made a run from midfield to receive the loose ball about 25 yards outside the box, and she one-timed a rocket over the diving Bracken that proved to be the game-winner.
- The goal was Watler's second-straight game-winning goal and her sixth goal and third game-winner for the season season. She is tied for the team lead and for third in the University Athletic Association, while her 19 points are second in the league.
- Judge senior Hannah Bassan (Aventura, Fla./NSU University School) earned the win with a clean second half, while Ross had one save and one goal allowed in the first.
- Bracken had six saves in the losing effort for Trinity.
UP NEXT
- The Judges close out their non-conference schedule on Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. against Wheaton College.