SPRINGFIELD, Mass. -- September 8, 2007 -- Kayla Thibeault sent a free kick in from 35 yards out which Jillian Pereira headed in with just 1:30 left in the game to propel the Springfield College women’s soccer team to a 2-1 victory over Brandeis at Brock-Affleck Field on Saturday afternoon. With the win, the Pride complete their four-game home stand at a perfect 4-0 while the Judges’ drop to 2-1 on the season.

With time winding down, Thibeault chipped the ball into the box and Pereira flicked the ball behind her into the right side of the net to give Springfield its fourth-straight win. It is the first time in over 20 years that the women’s soccer team has opened the season with four-straight wins.

At the 65-minute mark, Brandeis’ Melissa Gorenkoff fired a shot that was deflected by Springfield keeper Sue Jenney. However, Tiffany Pacheco gathered the loose ball and rebounded in the game-tying goal, knotting the game at one goal apiece.

Brittany Collins put gave Springfield its initial lead after she finished a one-one one opportunity with Brandeis keeper Hilary Rosenzweig. After a breakdown in the back, Collins slipped to the right of the defender with the ball just inside the box. She ripped a shot off the bottom of the crossbar and into the back of the net with 28 seconds left in the first stanza to give the home team a 1-0 lead. Jenney finished with seven saves on the day while Rosenzwieg tallied three in the game.

Springfield returns to action when it hits the road for its first road contest away of the year when the Pride face Williams on Wednesday afternoon. Kick-off is slated for 4:15 p.m.

published: 09/08/2007