Women's Soccer Beats Merrimack 3-0, Clinching a Postseason Berth
The CCSU women’s soccer team played against Merrimack on Thursday night through heavy rain at the CCSU Soccer Field in New Britain, CT. The Blue Devils defeated the Warriors 3-0, clinching a postseason berth and improving their record to 6-0 in the Northeast Conference.
The CCSU women's soccer team played against Merrimack on Thursday night through heavy rain at the CCSU Soccer Field in New Britain, CT. The Blue Devils defeated the Warriors 3-0, clinching a postseason berth and improving their record to 6-0 in the Northeast Conference.
GAME INFORMATION
Score: CCSU 3, Merrimack 0
Records: CCSU (8-5, 6-0 NEC),Merrimack (6-7-3, 4-2-1 NEC)
Location: CCSU Soccer Field (New Britain, CT)
COACH QUOTE
"Terrific result tonight on difficult conditions for both teams. It was a massive help to score in the first 15 seconds. Merrimack had a really good spell in the first half and Caitlin made a phenomenal save to preserve the lead. Aoife has been playing really well lately so we were pleased to see her get two goals tonight as a reward for all of her hard work."- Head Coach Mick D'Arcy
KEY MOMENTS
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The Blue Devils kicked the match off with a bang, scoring a goal within the first 15 seconds. Immediately after kickoff Charlotte Simmons sent a through ball up the field to Kelly Brady who charged forwards toward the goal. Merrimack goalkeeper, Lily Morgan, attempted to block Brady's shot, but the ball ricocheted off her foot, giving Brady the opportunity for an uncontested goal.
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Merrimack had their first scoring chance in the tenth minute when Caleigh Christensen passed the ball into the box to Rebecca Harty. Harty used her head to knock the ball toward the goal, but CCSU goalkeeper, Caitlin Murphy, was able to make the save.
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Central kept the momentum going and scored again in the 18th minute. Simmons took a shot from deep outside the box as the rain began to pour. The ball popped out of Morgan's hands and bounced towards Aoife Horgan, who was able to slip the ball into the goal.
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CCSU scored their third goal in the 54th minute of the game. Giavanna Inzerillo chased down a through ball and booted it into the box to Brady. Brady then deflected the ball towards a wide-open Aoife Horgan, who put the ball into the back of the net, earning herself a brace.
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Merrimack continued to apply pressure throughout the second half when they were awarded a free kick. Sydney Haskin launched the ball into the box, giving Ashlee Merrim Purcell the opportunity to try and knock the ball in. Murphy was able to dive and make the save, keeping the score 3-0.
NUMBER TO KNOW
5- Caitlin Murphy made four saves, along with the help of the CCSU backline, to secure the Blue Devils' fifth shutout in a row.
NOTES
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This is the third time the Blue Devils and the Warriors have faced off. Their first matchup was in 2019 at the Martone-Mejail Field in North Andover, MA.
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With their win tonight, CCSU improved their record to 3-0 against Merrimack.
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The Blue Devils are now 6-0 to start in NEC women's soccer play, ranking first in the league.
UP NEXT
The Blue Devils will be back at home on Sunday to face Fairleigh Dickinson. The game will take place at 6:00 pm at the CCSU Soccer Field and is a designated Morgan's Message Dedication game.
All CCSU home games and Northeast Conference games are available to watch online, for free, at NECFrontRow.com.