Women's Soccer Falls at St. John's in Overtime, 1-0

The Central Connecticut women's soccer team went to overtime at St. John's before a goal in the 97th minute gave the home team a 1-0 win on Friday night at Belson Stadium in the season-opener. Senior Nicki Turley made six saves for the Blue Devils in goal.

The Red Storm managed to break through the CCSU defense just over six minutes into overtime when Morgan Tinari and Mariela Jacome combined to play a pass to Alexis Urbanski at the top of the 18-yard box. Urbanski settled the ball and sent a low shot on goal and into the net for the 1-0 win at the 96:33 mark. 

Turley made four saves in the first half to keep the game scoreless, including a pair of saves in the opening seven minutes. A shot by SJU's Samie Scaffidi in the 25th minute glanced off the cross bar and just over 30 seconds later, Turley made another save to keep it scoreless.

Central got off three shots in the opening period and its best chance at getting on the scoreboard came just before halftime. Sophomore Charlotte Maurer got a header on frame at the 42:58 mark forcing a save by Diana Poulin.

The teams played an even second half with each goalkeeper making one save. Freshman Alexandra Schafer got a shot off just before the end of regulation, but sent her attempt high. 

In overtime, CCSU pressured the Red Storm with a pair of corner kicks and shots from sophomore Danielle Pearse and junior Jennifer Cafferky, but were unable to break the deadlock. St. John's forced Turley into a save in overtime before scoring the game-winner. 

Turley finished with six saves for Central, while Poulin made two saves for St. John's. The Blue Devils had eight shots in the contest, with Maurer putting both of her shots on goal. 

The Blue Devils play their home-opener against Maine on Sunday, August 21. Kickoff is set for 3:00 p.m. at CCSU Soccer Field.