UNION, N.J. - Despite dominating the first 85 minutes of their NJAC opener against Kean Saturday evening, it appeared as though the TCNJ women's soccer team would have to settle for a draw against the Cougars.
Jenny Ward, however, decided otherwise, with the sophomore's header in the 86th minute serving as the game winner in the Lions' 1-0 victory to open up conference play with a win.
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Following a save just 30 seconds into the contest by TCNJ's (4-3-3, 1-0 NJAC)
Ellen Williams, it was the Lions coming out firing with five shots in the game's opening 10 minutes. Just one, however, tested Kean's Madison Gesualdo, with the showing she was up for the task by denying
Ari Keily's attempt.
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The Lions continued to pepper the Cougars' net, getting shots on frame from
Taylor Krott,
Maggie Murphy and Ward over the ensuing half hour of play, but Gesualdo's six first-half saves kept TCNJ off the game scoreless entering the break.
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Desperate for a winner, the Lions fired off 20 second-half shots before finally finding the back of the net off the head of Ward. With less than five minutes on the clock,
Alyssa Alfano sized up TCNJ's sixth corner of the half and sent in a curler toward the penalty spot. Ward was the first to it, heading the ball past Gesualdo and in for her first goal of the season.
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The Cougars had a final chance to equalize in the 88th minute but sent their shot wide, sealing the 1-0, all-important NJAC win for the Lions.
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INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- TCNJ outshot Kean 36-4 in the game, including an 11-2 edge in shots on goal.
- The Lions also held an 8-2 advantage in corners, six of which came in the second half.
- Murphy finished with game-high marks in shots (7) and shots on goal (3).
NOTES
- Ward's goal is her first of the season after finishing second on the team a season ago with six.
- Williams made two saves in the win, securing the 14th shutout of her career.
- The assist is Alfano's team-best third of the season.
UP NEXT
- TCNJ is back home Wednesday, Oct. 1 to take on Stockton, with kickoff scheduled for 6 p.m.
