SPRINGFIELD, Mass., October 3, 2006 – Springfield College freshman midfielder Jillian Pereira (East Providence, R.I.) scored her second goal of the season just 39 seconds into the second half (45:39) to tie the match at one apiece, but it was the 13th-ranked Wheaton College Lyons which edged the host Pride, 2-1, this evening in a New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) contest on Brock-Affleck Field.

Wheaton College, ranked 13th in the nation by the National Soccer Coaches Association of American (NCSAA), came out firing, scoring its first goal only 27 minutes into the match (26:57). Freshman midfielder Rosie Levy connected on a pass from sophomore forward Jessica Bramucci to put the Lyons ahead by a goal.

The Lyons controlled the pace of play for the remainder of the first half, holding a 6-4 edge in shooting and a 2-0 advantage in corner kicks.

Energized after halftime, the Pride knotted up the score quickly. Pereira found the back of the net at the 45:39 mark during a skirmish in front of the Wheaton goal. Senior tri-captain Michelle Bongiovanni (West Springfield, Mass.) recorded the assist, her third of the season.

The Lyons were not deterred by the momentum shift; only nine minutes later (54:30), Wheaton retaliated with the go-ahead goal. Junior midfielder Jenna Stiegler headed in a corner kick from sophomore Angelamarie Viscomi, recording the eventual game-winner. Despite multiple final attempts by the Pride, including a breakaway opportunity for sophomore Kayla Thibeault (Lebanon, Conn.), SC could not find a second equalizer.

Sophomore goalkeeper Sue Jenney (Awagam, Mass.) recorded four saves in tonight’s match-up for the Pride. Wheaton’s first-half goalkeeper, Elana Cockburn, put aside two shots on net, and second half goalkeeper, Stacey Kronenburg, made two stops and allowed one goal en route to recording her sixth victory of the season.

As a result of the 2-1 decision, Springfield College drops to 6-3 overall and 2-1 in NEWMAC play. No. 13 Wheaton College improves to 11-1 and a perfect 3-0 in conference play.

The Prideshosts Babson College this Saturday, October 7th. SC looks to grab its third conference victory of the season when the two teams take the field at 11:00 a.m.

published: 10/03/2006