The Elizabethtown College women’s soccer team went on the road this past week as they faced off against Susquehanna University in a Landmark Conference game. This game is significant for the two teams, since the last time the two teams faced off, they were in the Landmark Conference playoffs.
Susquehanna got the edge over the Blue Jays in their last matchup, lasting 120 minutes at 0-0 and eventually scoring the winning penalty kick to send them into the next round. The Blue Jays came into the matchup hoping to seek some revenge from last season and even their record in the conference standings.
The game kicked off in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania as Etown attempted to strike first in the game as the River Hawks conceded a corner kick within the first two minutes. After defending the corner, Susquehanna had multiple opportunities in the opposing half, however, three offside calls by the officials stopped any momentum that the River Hawks had moving forward.
Around halfway through the first half, Susquehanna found the first shot on net by either side, forcing sophomore goalkeeper Ella Smith to make a save. Etown flipped the field and forced a corner after the counter attack.
Sophomore defender Bridget Ferrarese took the set piece from the corner and found sophomore defender Alyssa Golombeck inside the box. Golombeck’s shot went past the River Hawks goalkeeper and gave the Blue Jays an early advantage after scoring her first goal in her collegiate career.
Five minutes after the goal, Etown’s first-year forward Linnet Laiser found an opportunity, but the shot was off target.
With around five minutes before the halftime break, Susquehanna found a prime chance to tie the score. The first shot by the River Hawks came off the woodwork before bouncing back inside the box. Another shot was taken and saved by Smith in the bottom left corner. Susquehanna found another chance after a turnover, however, the shot went wide as Etown had avoided the danger.
Possession remained around midfield for the remainder of the half as the Blue Jays held a 1-0 lead heading into the break.
Susquehanna attempted to eliminate their deficit with an early attack after halftime adjustments, with two shots on target inside the first eight minutes. Smith was able to make two saves to keep the lead at one. Linnet was able to find the second shot on goal in the game; however, it was saved by the River Hawks. Susquehanna continued to apply offensive pressure, registering seven shots in the half, however, Etown was able to hold on, defeating the River Hawks 1-0 on the road.
Golombeck scored the lone goal in the contest off an assist by Ferrarese, both firsts on the season.
Etown moves to 1-1 on the season in Landmark Conference play and 3-4-3 on the season overall. The Blue Jays will head on the road the next two games against Catholic University and Lycoming College, however, they will be back home on Ira R. Herr Field on Oct. 21 against Drew University.
