Julian Santiago
Staff Writer
The women’s soccer team won a close game against Smith College a Tuesday, Oct. 7 despite really controlling the game. The Pride took the contest 1-0 in a matchup that was destined to be a defensive battle.
Smith came in with the plan using just one forward to keep the potent Pride offense off the board. This plan worked well throughout the first half as Springfield struggled to advance the ball up the wings.
Smith’s junior forward Jordan Houston led the team in executing their game plan. The midfield did well to support, which contributed to the offensive draught.
“In the second half we did a better job of getting forward,” said Coach John Gibson. This stemmed from a halftime formation switch for the Pride.
The team made a conscious effort to get more pressure up the middle, and eventually they were able to breakthrough. The opportunities came flowing in for Springfield as they were able to rack up 14 shots including an almost perfect free kick from sophomore Elizabeth Monsen. Unfortunately the free kick harmlessly banged off the cross bar.
It took a late goal from junior forward Nicole Fowler to finally break the scoreless tie. All of these opportunities came for Pride while the stopped Smith from recording a single shot on goal.
The controlling win gives Springfield a strong 2-1-1 start in New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) play. The team will finish up their seven game home stand this Saturday, with a contest against another conference opponent in Wheaton.
All of the next five games for the Pride are against NEWMAC teams, making a critical stretch of play. Last night’s victory could serve as a source of momentum which the team could ride into another deep run though the conference tournament, and possibly the NCAA tournament.
Julian Santiago can be reached at jsantiago@springfieldcollege.edu