Springfield, MA - After playing a close game for 80 minutes, the Ephs were stunned by a late Springfield goal. While the result is disappointing, Williams looked positive and will be ready to take on Amherst after a week of rest.
The first half was back and forth, with neither team able to fully stamp their influence on the match. Neither 'keeper had to make a save until the 36th minute when
Brianna Wright forced Springfield's goalie into action.
Towards the end of the first half, Williams had a string of three chances, with two shots on target by Wright and captain
Parker Harnett respectively being saved.
On to the second half, both teams continued to push for the opener. Both defensive units seemed hard rocks to crack. Throughout the game seven shots were blocked before they could threaten the goalkeepers.
In the 68th minute,
Emmy Chung saw her shot saved as Williams' good plays just did not get over the line.
Ana Bozzi-Mackay was called into action in goal in the 78th minute as the Springfield team, fresh off a gameless Saturday, started to put on the pressure.
The game deciding goal came in the 80th minute as Springfield's Natalia Mottura broke Eph hearts with a late winner. The soccer gods give and take as yesterday Williams was the team to find the goal in the waning minutes of the match.
The Ephs pushed through fatigue and put together a bunch of plays in the final minutes, getting three corners and three shots in a span of five minutes. It was just not to be as the clock hit zero.
Commenting on the game, Eph head coach
Sarah Raymond said: "It was a tough result today. We looked fatigued so we did not make as many good choices with the ball and Springfield came in fresh and played tough. We certainly competed with desire but we didn't always play to our strengths. We will learn from it but move forward as we focus on Amherst and get ready for that big game."
All eyes should stay on women's soccer as we take on Amherst on Saturday on Cole field. Forza Williams!
