Fitchburg State Slips Past Bridgewater State, 1-0 (2 OT)

Kennedy nets second consecutive game-winner with 1:52 remaining in the contest

FITCHBURG, Mass. (September 24, 2011) – Senior Carissa Kennedy (Somerset, Mass./Bishop Stang) collected her second consecutive game-winning, overtime marker as the Fitchburg State women's soccer team defeated Bridgewater State University, 1-0 in MASCAC action this afternoon.

With the victory, Fitchburg State holds first place in the MASCAC with an overall record of 7-1 and a perfect 2-0 clip in the league. Bridgewater State falls 4-4 on the season with a 0-2 mark in the conference.

Both teams were neck and neck throughout the first half of play, keeping the action between the ten yard lines. The Falcons and Bears combined for nine shots throughout the half with only four attempts going on net. Fitchburg State mustered a 4-1 advantage in corners throughout the period, but the Bridgewater State defense and goalkeeper Kristen Rowe (Burlington, Mass./Burlington) kept the Falcons off the board for a 0-0 deadlock at the break.

In the second half, shots were at a minimum with the lone scoring chance coming with only 5:57 remaining in regulation. Fitchburg State senior Katie Hayward (Townsend, Mass./North Middlesex) gained possession of the ball just outside the box, but her strike from 12 yards out sailed high-left of the goal. Fitchburg State pressured the Bridgewater State defense again with four more corners in the half, but sophomore keeper Kerry Condon (Whitman, Mass./Whitman-Hanson) threw up another scoreless frame for the Bears to force extra time.

Bridgewater State controlled the first overtime period, holding the ball in its offensive end and posting a pair of attempts on net. Sophomore net-minder Jillian Kirouac (Leominster, Mass./Leominster) stood strong for the Falcons, stopping both attempts to keep the shutout intact.

Over the second overtime, Fitchburg State swung the game's momentum in its favor, earning time of possession despite a 4-2 disadvantage in shots. The Falcons appeared to have the game-winning goal in its sight when Kennedy gathered a loose ball and found herself with an open net, but a Bears' team save denied the Falcons chances before Condon snag the rebound out of the air. Moments later, Fitchburg State responded as Kennedy put in the game-winning marker in with just 1:56 to spare.

In net, Kirouac collected her second consecutive shutout, totaling 11 saves over the complete game effort, while Rowe and Condon combined for seven stops for the Bears. Bridgewater State ended the game with an 18-13 advantage in targets, while the Falcons posted a 9-6 advantage in corner kicks.

Fitchburg State (7-1, 2-0 MASCAC) will be back in action on Tuesday as it hosts Curry College at 7 p.m. Bridgewater State (4-4, 0-2 MASCAC) will host Salve Regina on Tuesday at 3:30 p.m.