Fitchburg State Sneaks Past Nichols, 1-0

Floeck nets lone goal for Falcons in non-conference victory

FITCHBURG, Mass. – Fitchburg State University (2-6, 0-1 MASCAC) defeated Nichols College (5-3, 1-1 TCCC), 1-0, in a non-conference women's soccer matchup on Thursday night at Elliot Field.

The Falcons scored the eventual game-winner with seconds remaining in the opening half as senior Mikaela Foley took a corner kick that was saved by Bison netminder Kelly English, but sophomore Victoria Floeck was there to head the rebound in the back of the net.

Nichols College nearly took the lead at the 10:39 mark of the first when Lindsey Stewart had an opportunity at an open net off of a corner kick, but sophomore defensemen Samantha Zina came up with the defensive save to preserve the scoreless draw.

Danielle Barry and Michelle Gardner had back-to-back chances midway through the closing stanza for an equalizer, but the Falcon defense held strong with a save by senior goal keeper Kelsey Ford and a defensive save by Jacqueline Walker.

Ford came up big again with 17 minutes remaining on a strong shot by the Bison's Meghan Dunn, but the freshman forward was unable to capitalize on the attempt.

Ford made three stops for Fitchburg State in the victory, while her counterpart English recorded five saves in the setback for Nichols.

Overall, Fitchburg State held a 13-6 advantage in shots, while both teams finished with five corner kicks in the match. 

Fitchburg State will be back in action on Saturday as they host Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) foe Massachusetts Maritime Academy at 12:00 pm. Nichols College will host Curry College on Saturday for a contest starting at 2:00 pm.