Long Island University women beat Sacred Heart

Fairfield, Conn. - The Long Island University women's soccer team relied on its defense for a sixth straight shutout to win 1-0 over Sacred Heart on Friday night at Campus Field. The Blackbirds scored a late goal and had some late defensive heroics to extend their unbeaten streak a program-record 10 games. LIU improved to 9-1-2 overall and 3-0-1 in Northeast Conference play.

Long Island got the game-winner in the 70th minute of play when sophomore Nikki Labo put a header on goal that was initially stopped by SHU's Megan Reichelt, but sophomore Katie Egan picked up the loose ball and slotted it into the open net for the decisive score. The goal was Egan's first of the year and was the first given up by the Pioneers in over 400 minutes.

The Blackbirds nearly extended the lead with just over four minutes remaining, but their shot went off target. Sacred Heart responded by pressuring the LIU defense for the equalizer. Alyssa Brandofino narrowly missed the target with three minutes to play off of a hooking shot. The Pioneers followed that with a last gasp when Leigh Dogmanits got a one-on-one opportunity in the final 1:20. She sent a hard shot to the right side of the net, but freshman Jessica Sexton was able to turn the shot away after getting full extension for the save.

The teams played an even first half with each squad earning scoring opportunities. The Blackbirds got the first chance in the opening minutes when senior Caitlin Meadows sent in a dangerous cross that forced Reichelt to make a diving stop. Sacred Heart's Ashley Moore floated a header just over the crossbar with eight minutes left in the half and three minutes later Jen Mulvey had a shot that forced a save by Sexton.

The teams were nearly even in shots with LIU holding a slim edge, 12-11. Sexton finished the night with six saves for her fifth shutout of the year. Reichelt made four saves for SHU.

The Blackbirds return to action on Sunday, Oct. 10, at Fairleigh Dickinson.

Scoring Summary

                                    1    2   F

LIU (9-1-2; 3-0-1)       0    1-- 1

SHU (5-4-3; 1-1-1)      0    0-- 0



69:03   LIU      K. Egan (N. Labo)