Falcons Drop Heartbreaker in OT

Fitchburg, Mass. - The Fitchburg State women's soccer team dropped a heartbreaking loss in overtime to the Anchormen of Rhode Island College 2-1 this afternoon in non-conference action at Elliot Field.

The Basics

Score: Fitchburg State 1, RIC 2 OT
Records: Fitchburg State (1-12-1) | RIC (3-12)

How It Happened

The teams battled to a scoreless first frame. FSU goaltender Allison Gough (Wolcott, Conn.) turned back ten shots, while her counterpart freshman Reagan Kerecz (Tolland, Mass.) has three stops in the scoreless session.

RIC broke through in the 59^th minute, when freshman Jayde Fernandes (Pawtucket, RI) redirected a clearing pass into the net for her third strike of the year. 

Fitchburg State knotted the score with just under five minutes left in regulations. Newcomer Kendra Peretzman (Randolph, Mass.) placed an outlet pass to a streaking Shannon McCarthy (Chicopee, Mass.) down the left wing, the grad student barreled through two defenders and deposited her fifth of the season inside the far post.

Rhode Island had a chance down the stretch to take the win in regulation with a penalty kick, however Gough made a sensational diving save on freshman Marissa Ruzzano (Smithfield, RI) to send the game into extra time. Junior Alexandra Amore (Saunderstown, RI) scored the game-winner with 1:59 left overtime, sending RIC home with the win.

Inside the Numbers

• This afternoon's contest marks the 9^th meeting between Fitchburg State University and RIC on the pitch, with the Falcons 2-7 all-time when taking on the visitors
• Gough posted 14 saves in the loss, junior Maya Benedict (Tempe, Ariz.) playing the final 53 minutes had 7 stops for the victory
• RIC held the advantage in shots (30-16) and corners (5-2).

Up Next

Falcons will host Westfield State on Saturday afternoon at 2:00 PM.