Soccer: Vermont Women Go to 2-0, Beat Army in Overtime

Courtesy Vermont Sports Information

WEST POINT, NY –– UVM freshman Karen Wallace scored her first career goal 1:46 into overtime and gave Vermont a 2-1 win over Army West Point on Sunday afternoon. The Catamounts completed a season-opening weekend sweep and start the season 2-0 for the first time since 2014.

COACH’S QUOTE
“We’re proud of our team for their efforts today against a tough Army team,” head coach Kristi Huizenga said. “It’s always a tight turnaround with two-game weekends but we were able to get key minutes from several different players and came away with a nice road win.”

HOW IT HAPPENED
In the eighth minute, Alyssa Oviedo deflected a high feed into the box for Ella Bankert, who ripped a left-footed shot under the crossbar.
The Black Knights threatened to find the equalizer in the 28th minute. Elise Urkov hooked a shot past two defenders but UVM goalie Lydia Kessel (3 saves) picked the ball out of the air for the save.
In the final minutes before halftime, Kessel made another key save for the Catamounts. Off an Army corner kick, Mia Padon knocked a header towards the far post by Kessel shifted to her right to preserve the first-half shutout.
In the 74th minute, Alyssa Carfagno came within inches of tying the game. She fired a rocket from 20 yards out that flew over the crossbar.
Lauren Drysdale tied the match at 1-1 in the 80th minute for the Black Knights. After a clear attempt by the Cats’ defense, the freshman gathered the loose ball and finished the scoring chance with a line drive into the bottom left corner of the net.
In the extra session, Ali Price sent a cross to Wallace who fought off a defender and chipped the game-winner past a diving Sydney Cassalia (2 saves).
GAME NOTES
UVM earned its fourth ever victory against Army – all have come on the road in West Point. The Cats also reached the win column against the Black Knights for the first time since 2000.
Kacey Lambertson made a pair of saves in a relief effort.
With the victory, the Cats Win, Community Wins campaign and Vermont Mutual Insurance Group will donate $100 to Make-A-Wish Vermont; bringing this year’s total to 56 wins and $5,600.
WHO’S NEXT
Vermont will return to Catamount Country next weekend for the TD Bank Classic. UVM will play North Dakota State on Friday (Aug. 30) at 7 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase at UVMathletics.com/Tickets or at the Gutterson Fieldhouse Box Office on gameday. Free live video will be available at AmericaEast.TV.