Blue Devils Score Three Straight to Top Buffalo 3-1 on Friday

Sophomore Brittany Jackson scored a goal and assisted on two others as the Central Connecticut State University women's soccer team won its 2009 home opener, 3-1, over Buffalo on Friday afternoon. The goal was the first of the season for Jackson as CCSU improves to 2-0-1 on the year. Senior Leah Blayney and sophomore Jillian Cipriano also had goals in the victory. The Blue Devils return to action on Monday night at UConn at 7 p.m.

Buffalo wasted no time in taking a 1-0 lead just 5:27 into the game. Off a corner kick, the ball found its way to Taylor Thompson who then hit Angela Nicholas in front of the goal. Nicholas beat Central keeper Caity Casey in the top left of the goal to give the Bulls the early edge.

CCSU senior Leah Blaney scored her second goal of the season at 29:17 to tie the game. She took a long pass off the right corner from Jackson, settled, and then beat Buffalo keeper Amy Coron in the top right corner of the goal to even the score.

The score remained tied at the half, but the Blue Devils held a strong 10-2 advantage in shots at the break.

It was all CCSU in the second half as Jackson entered the game as a substitute and quickly made an impact. Off a corner, a Jackson header hit the crossbar and classmate Jillian Cipriano took the rebound and scored the game-winner at 61:24. It was her first goal of the season.

Jackson wasn't finished scoring as she posted her first goal of the year at 74:51 to give CCSU the two goal edge.

Senior Caity Casey and freshman Jamie Trayer combined to make three saves and preserve the victory for the Blue Devils. They are now 2-0-1 on the season and have allowed only three goals in three games.

CCSU held an 18-7 edge in shots for the game, including nine shots on goal. The Bulls had only four shots on goal in the loss.

CCSU returns to action on Monday night at UConn at 7 p.m.