University of Albany Women's Soccer Beats Atlantic 10 Conference's UMass - UAlbany Sports 2010

Albany, N.Y. - Sophomore forward Shayla Bergeron netted her team-leading fourth goal of the season in the first half and freshman goalkeeper Dani Britt made four crucial saves in the second stanza to lead UAlbany to a 1-0 victory over Massachusetts on Monday, Sept. 6 at Varsity Field. With the victory, the Great Danes have now won three straight matches for the first time as a Division I program.

Massachusetts (1-2), which most recently defeated Vermont by a 4-0 decision, seized control early and fired six straight shots in the first 20 minutes. Blair Ferry had the match's first scoring chance when she dribbled around Great Dane goalkeeper Breanna Maggio and had a wide open look at an unprotected net. However, Casey Marks, who was named the player of the game, intercepted the ball and cleared it away before the freshman could get a shot off.

In the 23rd minute, UAlbany broke through with the only goal it needed on its first shot of the match. Maggie DeVerna sent in a through ball to Bergeron from the left side. The sophomore caught up to it and fired a laser that beat the UMass goalkeeper to the far post to put the hosts ahead.

UMass, which outshot UAlbany, 9-3, in the opening half, had another golden opportunity in the 31st minute. This time, Deanna Colarossi beat the Great Dane goalkeeper and attempted a shot that was on its way towards the back of the net. However, Kendra Harrell-Vigil dove in front of the ball and redirected it wide to force a corner kick.

With UAlbany clinging to a one-goal lead, Britt took over the goalkeeping duties in the second half and was tested with eight additional shots. The Minutewomen had two major scoring chances in the last six minutes, beginning with a corner kick taken by Kayla Austin. The freshman, who scored on a corner kick against Vermont, bent the ball and shot it towards the top of the net. However, Britt leaped up and made the save.

Shortly afterwards, Colarossi came in from the left side at Britt on a one-on-one breakaway and fired a hard shot to the far post. Once again, the freshman goalkeeper came up big and stuffed the ball from point-blank range. Ferry's attempt to pot the rebound was unsuccessful, and the Great Danes held on for the victory.

Maggio earned the win and made two saves on nine opportunities in the first half, while Britt, who was making her collegiate debut, stopped four of the eight shots she saw in the second for UAlbany. Cota turned away two of the nine shots she faced for UMass and suffered the loss.

UAlbany (3-2) concludes its four-game homestand on Friday, Sept. 10 when it hosts Syracuse at 4 p.m.

Paw Prints: UAlbany has won three matches in a row for the first time as a Division I program ... The team previously put together a five-game unbeaten streak from Sept. 5-16, 2007 ... A transfer from Duquesne, sophomore Shayla Bergeron has scored four of the team's seven goals this season and leads all America East players in the category ... She also had the eventual game winner in UAlbany's 3-2 victory over Temple ... Both of Bergeron's game-winning markers were set up by classmate Maggie DeVerna ... Dating back to last season's thrilling 1-0 double-overtime victory over UMass at Rudd Field, UAlbany has now won four of its last five matches against Atlantic 10 Conference opponents.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information