Early Goal Gives Juniata Second Straight Win
HUNTINGDON, Pa. – The Juniata College women’s soccer team earned its second-straight win Tuesday afternoon as they defeated the University of Pittsburgh Greensburg 3-0 at home. Juniata (8-4-1) outshot the Bobcats 15-1 (9-0 on-goal) en route to its seventh shutout of the year.
HUNTINGDON, Pa. – The Juniata College women's soccer team earned its second-straight win Tuesday afternoon as they defeated the University of Pittsburgh Greensburg 3-0 at home. Juniata (8-4-1) outshot the Bobcats 15-1 (9-0 on-goal) en route to its seventh shutout of the year.
"The ladies really play well on their home field," said Head Coach Scott McKenzie.
Junior Paula Pryor (Westbrokville, N.Y./Burke Catholic) scored her second game winner of the season in the 5th-minute on a pass from junior Rose Lucidi (Bayville, N.Y./Locust Valley). Pryor then scored her eighth goal of the year in the 36th minute.
She took a pass from senior Sydney Masters (Bellefonte, Pa./Bellefonte Area) on the right side of the box and slipped the ball in near post past Bobcat keeper Olivia Valenti. The forward leads the team in goals and has scored two or more goals in three matches this season.
"[Paula] really has decided to do what she can to be both one of our leaders on and off the field," added McKenzie. "She has committed to getting better as a player and you can really see the impact of what she is trying to do."
With the 2-0 lead at the break, the Eagles bench saw significant time in the second half.
"From a coaches point of view, you ask the kids to work hard everyday in practice," started McKenzie. "And you really want to give them the reward of game time. Greensburg was putting up a good fight; they did not roll over. So our kids went into a situation where there was pressure. There's nothing better to hone your skills than to play in pressure."
Freshman Grace Braxton (Huntingdon, Pa./Huntingdon Area) earned her second collegiate goal by bending a pass from junior Jenna Rodrigue (Manchester, Conn./Manchester) into the far post.
Three keepers saw time in the win. Freshman Kristin Twardowski (Emmaus, Pa./Southern Lehigh) earned the start, spending the full first half in goal. Fellow freshmen Haley Brigs (Hanover, Pa./Southern Western) and Victoria Arriola (Hillside, Ill./Saint Joseph) split time the second half.
Pitt.-Greensburg (5-5-3) earned one corner to the Eagles seven.
Juniata will honor its seniors this Saturday, Oct. 13 before facing Landmark Conference rival Catholic University at 1 p.m. The match is a start of a double-header with the men's team who also face Catholic. Juniata fell 1-0 the last time the programs met.