GENESEO, N.Y.—William Smith College forward Emma Faso’s goal in the 72nd minute lifted the sixth-ranked Herons to a 1-0 victory over Geneseo in a non-conference contest at College Stadium this evening. With the win, William Smith is now 3-1-0 on the season.
The Herons’ defense limited the Knights to just three shots in the contest. Amanda Kesler played all 90 minutes in goal as she earned her first shutout of the season.
Angel Bennett played all 90 minutes in goal for Geneseo (1-3-1). She made five saves.
FIRST HALF:
- William Smith had the game’s first opportunity in the fourth minute, but Shayna Straney’s attempt from just inside the 18-yard box was stopped by Bennett.
- Two minutes later, Straney appeared to give William Smith a 1-0 lead, but her goal was waved off because she was a step offside.
- Faso had a chance in the 27th minute gobbled up by Bennett.
- The Herons’ defensive line of Marissa Mastracco, Ava Brazie, Ireland Krawczyk and Katrine Berg held Geneseo without a shot in the opening 45 minutes.
SECOND HALF:
- In the 47th minute, Ava Ruppersberger had a shot from 15 yards out stopped by Bennett.
- Hannah Sullivan had Geneseo’s best chance of the game, but her attempt from just inside the 18-yard box went right into Kesler’s waiting hands.
- Julia Berg and Seneca Blakely-Armitage had chances in the 57th minute, but the Geneseo goalie again was up to the task.
- Faso scored the game-winning goal in the 72nd minute. Ruppersberger was credited with an assist on the goal. Ruppersberger carried the ball down the left wing and into the box. Her crossing pass found the right foot of Faso, who deposited the shot past a diving Bennett.
- In the closing minutes, the Knights pressured for the equalizer, but William Smith’s defense was up to the task, keeping Geneseo on the wings and out of the dangerous scoring areas.
KEY STATS:
- William Smith finished the game with a 13-3 edge in shots and a 4-1 advantage in corner kicks.
COACH”S CORNER:
“We had some exceptional moments of play during the game in both halves,” Head Coach Aliceann Wilber said. “The combination of passes and movement that led to Emma’s textbook finish were also textbook. Geneseo is an athletic team and committed to being very stingy on allowing space and time for shots.”
UP NEXT:
The Herons continue their two-game road trip on Saturday, Sept. 17, when they take on Rochester at Fauver Stadium. The non-conference contest is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m.
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