by David F. Pendrys (Eyewitness report checked against official box score.)

BRIDGEPORT, CT- The University of Bridgeport Purple Knights needed 2 overtimes to knock off the vising Dowling Golden Lions Saturday afternoon at Knights Field but they succeeded with moments to spare. The difference maker came when Lauren Mengel kicked the ball to the center of the goal area and Jess Laszlo headed it past Dowling’s Maria Valva at 107:15. This of course ended the “sudden death” or “golden goal” overtime period and the game.

Bridgeport goalie Jennifer Wendelius made only 1 save on the day as Dowling took 8 shots but only 1 on goal. Bridgeport on the other hand attempted 22 shots, including 10 on goal leading Valva to make 9 saves.

Throughout a very rough match Bridgeport spent much more time on the attack, though Dowling was kept in it largely due to the defense at specific times, and Valva’s excellent goaltending. Despite giving up the overtime goal she had come up with some big saves throughout as Bridgeport had an effective attack.

Laszlo had 6 of UB’s shots including 3 on goal, teammate Amanda Moura had 4 shots, and 2 on goal. Flo Gamby’s 3 shots were all on goal, Hanne Neby had 3 shots, and 1 on goal, and Nicola Worthington had 2 shots including 1 on goal. Taylor Davide had the lone Dowling shot on goal. Allie Merrill and Rebecca Raber each had 2 shots for the Golden Lions as well.

Some other notes from the match not meant to be an exhaustive list, but just what was noticed.

Defensively Kristen Breihof and Kristin Muir were solid for Dowling breaking up several UB attempts.

Their teammate Felicia Mulholland was hustling over the field throughout the game and broke up an attack late in the game, though she was often involved in the play. In one of the more serious of the UB attacks Laszlo set up a shot but Valva had the big save.

UB’s Stephanie Vahos broke up an attack to the left of goal and later Neby broke up a centering pass. On a Dowling kick towards the goal, Vahos disrupted the set up again. Catalina DelMoral also broke up a centering pass was well for the Purple Knights during the game action.
With the win Bridgeport is now 10-1-0, including 4-0 in the ECC. Dowling drops to 4-5-1 and 2-1-1 in the ECC.