Four goal second half surge helps Drew defeat Juniata 4-1

HUNTINGDON, Pa.-  Lauren Brant's (Gilbertsville, Pa./ Boyertown) first half goal would not be enough for Juniata as it was defeated by Drew University 4-1 in Landmark Conference women's soccer action Saturday afternoon at Winton Hill Field.

Juniata (6-9-0, 2-2-0 Landmark) put numbers on the scoreboard first with Brant's 17^th minute goal. Brant picked up Erin Eddinger's (Barto, Pa./Boyertown) cross in the goal box and shot from 12 yards.

Juniata keeper Lauren Auster-Gussman (Lancaster, Pa./Lancaster Country Day) kept Drew (6-6-2, 3-1-0 Landmark) off the board in the first half, but the Rangers fought back in the second. Drew tied up the game in the 50^th minute when Emily Weida crossed to Christine Meconi to finish the shot.

Meconi's unassisted game winner came in the 54^rd minute after a Juniata goal kick caromed off a Juniata defender straight to Meconi, who buried the ball.

The second half saw a lot of action from Drew, as they added yet another point on a goal from Alyssa Goodman in the 61^st minute.  Assisted by Meconi, the duo passed the ball inside the 18 yard box for Goodman to put it in the net.

The final goal of the contest came from Meconi and completed her hat trick. On a fast break, Meconi penetrated the Eagle defense and blasted the ball past Juniata keeper.

Auster-Gussman played all 90 minutes in the Eagle goal and recorded five saves. Ranger keeper Kimberly Jaikisson recorded one save during her 90 minutes of playing time.

The Eagles were outshot by Drew 14-8, but Juniata out cornered the Rangers 5-4.

The Eagles hope to improve its conference record on a road game this Wednesday, Oct. 21, when they take on the Susquehanna Crusaders at 7 p.m.

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