PLYMOUTH – Although losing in the effort, the Plymouth State University Women’s Soccer team snapped Western Connecticut State University’s shut out streak at six games, but the Colonials pulled away with a 2-1 victory over the Panthers on Saturday afternoon at Panther Field in a Little East Conference showdown.
Western Connecticut State University, ranked #1 in New England and #6 in Division III, remained unbeaten this season, improving to 15-0-0 and 5-0-0 in conference play. The Colonials have only allowed five goals this season, and matches their school record with their 15th consecutive win. PSU fell to 1-4-0 in the LEC and 4-7-1 overall. Six of their seven losses have come by one point this season for the Panthers.
The Colonials and Panthers remained relatively even with one another throughout the entire first half. WestConn held the 3-2 advantage in shots in the first half and led the Panthers 1-0 after sophomore Catherine Nathans broke away from the Panther defense and scored her LEC-leading 17th goal of the season.
WestConn took the offensive front early in the second half, keeping the Panthers struggling to find answers with their defense. The Colonials extended their lead to 2-0 only minutes into the second half after senior Calie Carter nailed a shot past freshman Morgan McQuaide. The goal was Carter’s fifth of the season.
The Panthers struggled to get on offense; PSU made a few shots at the goal but failed to capitalize. PSU finally got themselves onto the board after Stacy DiSabato netted a shot in the 68th minute.
PSU goalkeeper Morgan McQuaide, who has started and played nine games this season for the Panthers, suffered the loss, allowing two goals and making seven saves. WestConn goalkeeper Jenna Cappellieri, who entered the game with a league-leading 0.38 goals against average, made three saves and allowed one goal in her victorious effort.
Plymouth will continue their five-game home stand when they compete against Rhode Island College on Saturday evening at Panther Field at 5:00 p.m. The Panthers will compete in their last home game of the year when they face against Lyndon State College on October 24 before competing in the first round of the Little East Conference Tournament.