LIU women beat Central Connecticut

Brooklyn, N.Y. – A second half goal by freshman Jen Spicer was enough to carry the Long Island University women’s soccer team past Central Connecticut State, 1-0, in a Northeast Conference contest on Friday night at LIU Field. The win was the sixth straight for the Blackbirds and extended their unbeaten streak to eight games.

 

LIU (8-1-1, 2-0 NEC) had the first scoring opportunity of the night when junior Toni Smith got on the end of a cross in the 22nd minute, but her header when just wide. The teams played an even opening period and managed just three shots combined.

 

Central Connecticut State (4-7, 0-2 NEC) opened the second half with a pair of scoring opportunities, but neither squad was able to come away with any goals. In the 57th minute, Beth Lloyd ran onto a long pass and shook off one defender before taking a shot from the top of the 18-yard box, but her attempt was easily stifled by freshman Jessica Sexton. Five minutes later the Blue Devils drew a foul just outside the goal area, but Cleo Tregear’s rebound off the initial shot was off target.

 

The Blackbirds took advantage of CCSU’s missed chances and were able to generate scoring chances of their own. Junior Ariana Calderon had a shot from 20 yards out sail just high in the 69th minute. Just over five minutes later Spicer’s goal came off a pass that was laid off from senior Kayleigh Morgan on the right wing. Spicer was able to get free and buried her shot inside the far post for the decisive tally.

 

Sexton made a pair of saves for her third shutout of the season and lowered her NCAA-best goals against average to 0.15. The Blackbirds held a 4-1 edge in corner kicks and a slim 6-5 advantage in shots for the evening.

 

The women’s soccer Alumni Weekend festivities conclude on Sunday when LIU takes on Quinnipiac at 1:00 p.m. on LIU Field.