Jackson Strikes Game-Winner for Women's Soccer in NEC Opener
Kelly Halligan set up Carla Jackson for the game-winning goal in the Blue Devils' first Northeast Conference match against Mount St. Mary's
Freshman Carla Jackson's first career goal for the Central Connecticut women's soccer team turned out to be a thrilling game-winner with just 21 seconds left in regulation for the 1-0 win over Mount St. Mary's on Sunday at CCSU Soccer Field. Central Connecticut improves its record to 3-8-1 and 1-0 in NEC play, while Mount St. Mary's falls to 3-6-1 and 0-1.
Junior Kelly Halligan set up Jackson for shot from 12 yards out who fired the ball between two Mountaineer defenders, to seal the win for CCSU.
In the first period, Blue Devil sophomore Danielle Pearse had a chance put the first score on the scoreboard on a header that sailed just over the top of the goal post with 23:50 left in the period.
With just inside 10 minutes before halftime junior Jennifer Cafferky snuck in two close shots from inside the goalie's box on back-to-back corner kicks, but could not find the back of the net on either opportunity.
Freshman Emily Hogan fired a strike at the Mount St. Mary's goal five minutes into the second half, but the attempt was deflected away.
Central outshot the Mountaineers 19-7 and 8-3 on corner kicks. Senior Nicki Turley made three saves to earn her third shutout of the season and her third win of the campaign.
The women's soccer team will return to action when they host Bryant on Friday, Oct. 7th at 7:00p.m. at home.