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University of Massachusets Athletics
University of Massachusetts
Providence
Providence Edges Women's Soccer, 1-0
September 04, 2009 | Women's Soccer
Sept. 4, 2009
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AMHERST, Mass. - The UMass women's soccer team managed several quality chances late in the second half, but could not net the equalizer, falling to Providence, 1-0, on Rudd Field in Friday afternoon's home opener. With the loss, the Minutewomen are now 0-3-0 on the year, while the Friars move to 2-1-0.
After playing a scoreless opening half, Nicole Benko recorded the lone tally of the game in the 67th minute. Off a pass from Jill Camburn, Benko's strike found the top left corner of the net, beyond the reach of UMass goalkeeper Emily Cota, giving Providence a 1-0 advantage.
The goal game just two minutes after the Minutewomen nearly took the lead after a dangerous service from junior Therese Smith was brought down on the left edge of six-yard box. Junior Ashley Hamel scrambled to get a shot off, but sent it wide into the side netting.
Then in the 89th minute, redshirt junior Meghan Gould's header off a corner kick by Smith was on target. However, the attempt was grabbed by Providence netminder Caitlin Walker for her lone save of the game, preserving the shutout.
Corner kicks were even at three apiece, though the Friars held a 17-3 shot advantage. Cota split time in goal for UMass with senior Lauren Luckey, who played the first 45 minutes and made three saves. Cota stopped three shots in the second half.
UMass returns to action on Wednesday, Sept. 9, when the Minutewomen will play host to Albany at 4:30 p.m. on Rudd Field.
