WESTON, Mass. – In a defensive battle, Emmanuel College was able to convert on a scoring chance with less than seven minutes remaining in regulation to defeat Regis College, 1-0, Wednesday night in a Great Northeast Athletic Conference women's soccer match at Regis Stadium.
After an even first half, Emmanuel controlled the possession in the second half, outshooting Regis 12-1 after halftime and earning seven corner kick opportunities in the second half while allowing the Pride to have just one corner kick during the same span of time. Natalie Dash challenged Regis goalie Oriana Attridge (Westwood, Mass.) early in the second half, taking two shots in the first five minutes that were both turned away by Attridge.
As the second half wound down, after Regis was called for offside, Emmanuel started a counterattack, rushing up the field into the Pride defensive zone. Abba McKenelley ended up with the ball and sent a shot into the net for her second goal of the season with 6:21 remaining in regulation.
Emmanuel (8-2, 4-0 GNAC) maintained possession through the rest of the match, earning four corner kick opportunities in the final two minutes to hold off the Pride. For the match, the Saints outshot the Pride 21-7, led by Dash and Kayla Generis with four shots apiece.
Rachel Kelly (Whitman, Mass.), Kaylee Francis (Millis, Mass.), and Bailey Elliot (Tolland, Conn.) took two shots apiece to lead the Pride, but Emmanuel goalie Lexi Gawron made five saves to preserve the shutout. Attridge finished with nine saves as she attempted to keep Regis in the match until the very end.
Regis (5-4, 3-3 GNAC) hosts Simmons as part of Regis Fest Saturday, Sept. 29, at 1:30 p.m. at Regis Stadium.