SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – A goal by junior midfielder
Allison Cuozzo (Norfolk, MA) at 75:01 helped the #22 Union women's soccer team defeat New Paltz, 2-1 Saturday at the Union College Invitational Tournament. The goal was set up by an indirect kick just inside the Hawks zone from senior defender
Sara Wilson (Wibraham, MA).
The Dutchwomen controlled the action for the most of the second half, not allowing any shots on goal. They were able to contain a Hawks corner kick in the 87
th minute. Union junior goalkeeper
Melissa McDonald (Lynnfield, MA) was tested in the 65
th minute when she broke up a cross deep in the penalty box.
New Paltz controlled play early and had a goal nullified only 1:45 into the game on an offsides call. The Hawks turned around and connected on a goal from 16-yards out on a try by junior defender Jennifer Moretti.
Head coach
Brian Speck's group answered only 31 seconds later when sophomore forward
Katie McLean (Newton, MA) sent a low cross deep into the left side of penalty box. The ball found freshman forward
Jessica Strang's (Rotterdam, NY) foot. Strang went against the grain and scored into the lower right corner.
The Dutchwomen controlled the majority of the play for the remainder of the first half and got attempts at goal from, sophomore midfielder
Caitlin O'Donnell (Hampden, MA) senior midfielder
Chelsea Hargis (Easy Lyme, CT), Cuozzo
and McLain.
Junior defender
Amy Block (Stratham, NH) stood tall on the backline and denied a through attempt with 45 seconds remaining in the first and secured the 1-1 tie at the half.
Strang had several chances early in the second half when she produced two shots, including one on goal in the 52 second minute. Hargis tried to set the freshman up with a breakaway, but a New Paltz defender stepped in front of the pass at the top of the box.
Cuozzo used fancy footwork in the 60th minute to create her own opportunity when she used a step over near the right baseline to get the ball to her left foot. She fired low, but senior goalkeeper Sarah Boccard made the save.
Union outshot New Paltz 16-7 and produced eight shots on goal, while the Hawks had two. New Patlz held the advantage in corners, 7-6.
The Dutchwomen return to action Sunday when they host Rutgers-Newark at 2 p.m.
