Laaksonen Nets Game-Winner As Women's Soccer Wins Seventh Straight

AMHERST, Mass. - Sini Laaksonen made her first goal of the season count as she netted the game-winning goal in a 1-0 victory for the UMass women's soccer team over St. Bonaventure on Thursday afternoon at Rudd Field. The junior scored in the 56th minute to help secure the Minutewomen's seventh consecutive victory which moves the Maroon and White into a tie for the NCAA's seventh longest active win streak this season.

The seven consecutive victories are the most in a single season since UMass won eight straight during the 1997 season which saw the Minutewomen win the Atlantic 10 Championship and last reach the NCAA Tournament. It's also the first time since 2001 that UMass started league play 3-0.

Overall, UMass improved to 8-2-0 and stayed perfect in league play at 3-0-0. The Minutewomen head to La Salle on Sunday for a 1 PM kickoff.

In Thursday's contest, UMass controlled possession for much of the match piling up a 24-to-2 shot advantage. In the first half, the Minutewomen outshot the Bonnies (0-8-4, 0-3-0 A-10) 15-to-0 with many coming from outside the 18-yard box.

??: @jasondowiak on @UMassWSoccer's 1-0 win over St. Bonaventure. Minutewomen improve to 8-2-0 overall and 3-0-0 in the @atlantic10! #ALLIN?? #Flagship?? pic.twitter.com/rmxMiqMLdM
— UMass Women's Soccer (@UMassWSoccer) September 27, 2018

After going into intermission scoreless, the Minutewomen increased continued to push the attack. Leading up to Laaksonen's goal, Sarah Beaulieu carried the ball down the far blank before sending a flat cross towards the goal line where Lauren Bonavita was able to make a play on the pass. She re-directed the ball towards the center of the goal mouth where Laaksonen was able to knock home the game's only goal.

UMass continued to pressure the Bonnies defense including a shot by Bonavita in the 87th minute which rang off the crossbar.

Peyton Ryan earned her fourth clean sheet of the season while being called upon to make just one save in the match. Lauren Malcom made 10 saves for the Bonnies in the loss.

For complete coverage of the UMass women's soccer program, follow the Minutewomen on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook at @UMassWSoccer and online at www.UMassAthletics.com.

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