UMass Edges UAlbany, 2-1, in Women's Soccer Play at Varsity Field

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – Therese Smith netted her first two goals of the season to give the Massachusetts a 2-1 victory over the UAlbany in women’s soccer action on Wednesday, Sept. 17, at Varsity Field. The Great Danes held a commanding 22-12 advantage in total shots, but the Minutewomen, who have already played four overtime matches this fall, were able to find the back of the net with under eight minutes left in regulation to seal their third straight victory.

After UAlbany took the first eight shots of the match, UMass (3-1-2) scored a goal on its first attempt in the 20th minute of play. Therese Smith got the ball on a failed clear by the Great Dane defense and let it fly to the top left corner of the net from just over 20 yards out. The Minutewomen kept their 1-0 lead at halftime despite getting outshot 15-3 in the stanza.

UAlbany (2-7) was able to knot the score at 1-1 in the 64th minute. After freshman Katie Grant got tripped inside the box by two UMass defenders, classmate Rebecca Lee capitalized on the ensuing penalty kick by sending the ball to the right corner of the net. With her third goal of the season, Lee is now tied for first in scoring in the America East Conference with junior Ashley Tirabassi. Both players have nine points.

With time winding down and another overtime match looming for UMass, Smith found the back of the net for the second time to help her team regain the lead in the 83rd minute. Vanessa Patry had the ball in the middle of the field from about 30 yards away from the goal and passed it down to Smith. The sophomore made her way through the UAlbany defense and lined a shot from the left side to the far post from about 12 yards away past UAlbany goalkeeper Amber Maisonet.

The Great Danes had one more chance to score with a corner kick in the waning seconds. However, Lee’s cross with two ticks left on the clock never made it in time for the Great Danes to force another period.

UAlbany’s Maisonet saved four of the 12 shots she faced in her first career start. UMass goalkeeper Lauren Luckey made nine saves to earn the victory.

The Great Danes return to action this weekend and will serve as the host school for the Governor’s Cup. UAlbany will play Army on Friday at 3 p.m. and Sacred Heart on Sunday at 1 p.m. Siena will also compete in the tournament.


Massachusetts (3-1-2) 1 1 - 2
UAlbany (2-7) 0 1 - 1

Massachusetts: Scoring – Therese Smith (2-0), Vanessa Patry (0-1). Goalkeeping: Lauren Luckey (90:00, 1 GA, 9 saves).

UAlbany: Scoring – Rebecca Lee (1-0). Goalkeeping – Amber Maisonet (90:00, 2 GA, 4 saves).