Long Island women beat Bryant

Smithfield, R.I.  – Senior Kayleigh Morgan scored a second half goal to provide the difference in a 1-0 win for the Long Island University women’s soccer team at Bryant on Sunday afternoon at Bulldog Stadium. LIU improved to 11-1-3 overall and 5-0-1 in Northeast Conference play. The Blackbirds have gone unbeaten in 13 straight games, dating back to Aug. 28.

LIU broke the deadlock in the 68th minute after Morgan picked up a loose ball and slotted it into the net for a 1-0 lead. Five minutes later, the Bulldogs put their first shot on goal of the day, but freshman Jessica Sexton made the stop. Bryant’s last chance came in the closing moments, but Regan Marin sent her shot high.

Long Island controlled the action from the start in the first half. Senior Brittany Schandelmayer and junior Toni Smith put back-to-back shots on goal in the third minute, forcing Bryant’s Kelsi Jacob to make consecutive saves. For the half, LIU outshot Bryant 7-1 and forced Jacob to make five saves to keep the game scoreless at the break.

LIU’s defense stifled Bryant all day to tie a program record with its 11th shutout of the year. The Blackbirds finished the game with a 10-4 margin in shots. Sophomore Jennifer Bannon and Sexton combined for the clean sheet and had to make just one save on the afternoon. Jacob finished with seven saves.

The Blackbirds open their final home weekend of the season on Friday, Oct. 22, against Monmouth at LIU Field.