Late Goal Leads Women’s Soccer to Draw in GNAC Opener

NEW LONDON, Conn. – Senior Elon Johnson (Freeport, BHS) scored in the 83rd minute of play to knot the score at one on Wednesday afternoon, and the Mitchell College women's soccer team would go on to open up GNAC play with a 1-1 draw against visiting Simmons University.

The goal was the second of the season for Johnson, who rose to the moment while battling oppressive heat, allowing the Mariners to finally breakthrough in a game which they had trailed since late in the first half.

A back and forth battle early on, the Sharks outshot Mitchell 10-7 in the first half but were turned away time and time again by junior goalkeeper Gemma Landry (Lewiston, ME). A perfectly placed kick and a fortunate bounce pushed Simmons ahead by one with just under five minutes remaining until intermission, as Courtney Sweeny launched a deep free kick from the far side build out line. After being struck by Sweeny's right foot, the ball landed and bounced right in front of Landry and skipped up and around her, finding a home in the back right corner of the net.

The Mariners continued to battle and finally landed a counter punch when Rahel Scully (Kingston, N.H.) gained possession off a Simmons goal kick near the far side midfield. After dishing the ball off and getting it right back, Scully was off to the races, streaking down the far side and drawing in multiple defenders. The sophomore then fed it to Johnson at the perfect time, allowing the senior a clear lane to boot the ball with her left foot into the top center of the net.

An even battle throughout, the Mariners and Sharks were dead even with 17 shots apiece, yet Simmons held a 9-5 advantage in shots on goal, while Mitchell held a 5-4 corner kick opportunity advantage.

Landry, who began the fall season with back to back shutouts, surrendered just one goal and made eight saves, many of which required an extremely high level of difficulty. Morgan Fontaine (Cheshire, Conn.) led Mitchell with six shots, Scully got off four, and Johnson three.

Simmons keeper Julia Rodgers enjoyed an efficient day in the net as well, finishing with four saves against five shots on goal. Emma McEwan notched a team-high six shots, two of them on goal, while Courtney Sweeney and Lauren Krupnikoff each tallied a pair of shots on goal.

The Mariners (2-0-1, 0-0-1 GNAC) will return to conference play on Saturday, September 9, with a road match against Dean College, scheduled to kick off at 12:00 pm.

The Sharks (0-2-1, 0-0-1 GNAC) will be back in action on Saturday, September 9, when they host Rivier University in a GNAC showdown.