Last-Minute Goal Leads Lehigh Past Women's Soccer, 1-0

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Bethlehem, Pa. – Junior Natalie Hojnacki’s goal in the 89th minute led the Lehigh Mountain Hawks to a 1-0 victory over the University at Albany women’s soccer team on Sunday, Aug. 31, at the Ulrich Sports Complex. The Great Danes had a breakaway opportunity in the 87th minute, but Lehigh goalkeeper Laura Mains came through with a save which allowed the Mountain Hawks to respond with the game winner shortly afterwards.

After a scoreless first half in which UAlbany (1-2) held a 4-2 advantage in shots on goal, the teams continued to battle deep into the second stanza without either offense finding the back of the net. Senior co-captain Diana Barrera broke through the Mountain Hawk defense in the waning minutes with a chance to put the Great Danes on the scoreboard first, but Mains made a point blank stop to keep the match scoreless.

With time winding down and the teams just minutes away from overtime, Lehigh (1-1) scored the only goal it needed to seal its first win of the season. Freshman Corrine Parkinson brought the ball down the right corner of the 18-yard box and centered a pass to Hojnacki. The junior then redirected the ball home with her left foot from just outside the six-yard line to put the Mountain Hawks ahead with just 1:18 left on the clock.

UAlbany freshman goalkeeper Cate Crenson made eight saves on nine opportunities in the losing effort. Lehigh’s Mains turned away all five shots she faced to earn her first win and shutout of the season.

The Great Danes return to action on Friday afternoon when they host Youngstown State in their home opener at Varsity Field at 4:00 p.m.