Senior captain Debbie Lyons scored the game winning goal in overtime on Thursday's game against Rivier.
Women's Soccer defeats Rivier in overtime
New England College women’s soccer team earned their first win of the season as they defeated Rivier College 2-1 in overtime. The win improves the Pilgrims to 1-2-0, while the loss drops the Raiders to 0-2-0.
Senior captain Debbie Lyons (Wilmington, Mass.) scored her second goal of the season in the 96th minute to lead the Pilgrims over the visiting Raiders. Lyons would rebound a shot from teammate Alexandria Sacco (Tewksbury, Mass.) and send it over the head of Rivier goalkeeper Brittany Puleo (Hudson, N.H.).
New England College would attack first, as first year player Veronica Hytner (St. James, N.Y.) would set up fellow first year player Crystal Berry (Northfield, Vt.) for the breakaway goal in the 39th minute. NEC would hold the 1-0 lead into halftime.
Rivier freshman Meg Hickey (Derry, N.H.) would even the score at 1-1 with only seven minutes remaining in the second half on a deflected free kick goal.
Picking up the win for the Pilgrims was junior assistant captain Kerry Hughes (Wallkill, N.Y.) with six saves. Taking the loss for the Raiders was junior Puelo, who recorded 17 saves.
NEC returns to action Saturday as they travel to Salve Regina for a 1:00 p.m. conference match up. Rivier also returns to action on Saturday as they host Norwich University at 1:00 p.m.
