ROCHESTER, N.Y.—The sixth-ranked William Smith College soccer team and the University of Rochester, which is receiving votes in the United Soccer Coaches Poll, played to a 0-0 draw at Fauver Stadium this afternoon. The Herons are now 3-1-1 on the season.
Amanda Kesler and Kirsten Nelson split time in goal, combining to make five saves. The goalies’ strong play and the consistent play of Marissa Mastracco, Ava Brazie, Ireland Krawczyk and Katrine Berg helped William Smith pitch its fourth shutout in five games. Grace Kuropatkin went the distance in goal for the Yellowjackets (3-0-3) making three saves.
KEY STATS:
· In an evenly played match, William Smith finished with an 8-7 edge in shots and a 5-4 advantage in corner kicks.
· This was the second straight scoreless draw in the series between William Smith and Rochester. In fact, there has only been one goal scored in the last three meetings.
FIRST HALF:
· Rochester had the first chance in the game, but Claire Grover’s shot from close range was stopped by Kesler.
· In the 17th minute, Emma Faso had a shot stopped by Kuropatkin.
· One of the Herons’ better chances of the game wasn’t even recorded as a shot. Julia DiMenna broke into the 18-yard box but had the ball taken off her feet by the Rochester goalie.
· The Yellowjackets nearly broke the deadlock in the 40th minute. Riya Kunderan carried the ball into the box and fired a shot on cage. Kesler moved to her right and punched the ball outside of the left post.
SECOND HALF:
· In the 51st minute, William Smith had a dangerous opportunity in the 18-yard box. Shayna Straney had her shot swiped off the goal line by a Rochester defender and Julia Berg chipped the rebound over the crossbar.
· Rochester had two shots on goal in the second half. Both were smothered by Nelson.
COACH’S CORNER:
“The score is reflective of the battle we expect when we play UR,” Head Coach Aliceann Wilber said. “We’re looking forward to getting back to some time on grass after two games on turf.”
UP NEXT:
William Smith will be back in action Wednesday, Sept. 21, when it welcomes Rochester Institute of Technology, which is receiving votes in the United Soccer Coaches Poll, to Cozzens Field. The Liberty League opener for both teams is scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m.
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