Falcons Clipped By Southern Maine, 2-1

O'Connell nets lone goal for Falcons in non-conference setback

FITCHBURG, Mass. – In the first ever meeting between the Fitchburg State University women's soccer team and the Huskies of Southern Maine University on Wednesday night at Elliot Field, the Falcons fell in heartbreaking fashion, 2-1. Fitchburg State's record drops to 5-10 overall while Southern Maine's record improves to 5-10.

The first half saw the Huskies jump out to a 1-0 lead after Adela Kalilwa netted her 3rd goal of the year after settling a loose ball at the top of scoring area, Kalilwa deposited the ball inside the far post. Despite the deficit, the Falcons outshot Southern Maine 8-7, including two off-the-post chances by Whitney Mansfield.

The Falcons came out firing in the second half and tied the game (1-1) just three minutes into the frame as junior defender Siobhan O'Connell headed home her second tally on the year of a corner kick by freshman Micalea Goldenberg.

Southern Maine answered back however at the 85:05 mark when Kalilwa netted her second score of the contest, collecting her own rebound off a breakaway attempt and proceeded to fire a shot into the upper right corner, resulting in the 2-1 final.

Throughout the contest, Fitchburg State held a 20-10 advantage in shots, while also holding an 8-2 margin in corner kicks. In goal, sophomore Shelby Gale made four saves for the Falcons in the complete game effort, while counterpart Taylor Canastra stopped six shots for the Huskies in 90 minutes of work.

Fitchburg State returns to action on Saturday as is visits the Trailblazers of MCLA for a contest starting at 1 p.m. Southern Maine will host Eastern Connecticut State on Saturday at 2:30 p.m.

The Falcon Report