Post Game Report With Kim Banner (Video)

The Pioneers were unable to put together a perfect opening weekend in 2010 as they dropped a 2-0 decision to Providence Sunday afternoon in Fairfield, CT.  The Friars scored a goal on the counter attack that shifted the early momentum away from Sacred Heart.  SHU had an opportunity to equalize on a penalty kick but Samantha Kee (Haskell, NJ) had her attempt stopped by the goalkeeper.

Sacred Heart (1-1-0) controlled the action for most of the first half but would not be able to break through on the scoreboard.  The Pioneers had a quality chance early as Kee put a strong header on net that forced Friar starting goaltender Caitlin Walker to make a leaping save.  SHU gave the Friars a scare at the 27:30 mark when Jen Mulvey (Manalpan, NJ) fired a shot from close range that was stopped.  The rebound came to Leigh Dogmanits (Walnutport, PA) but her volley attempt sailed over the crossbar.

Providence (1-0-0) used a counter attack to score the game's first goal just under 23 minutes into contest.  Courtney Collins lifted a long shot from 25 yards out over SHU netminder Meghan Reichelt (Selden, NY) and dropped it into the top right corner of the net.  The unassisted goal came on just the Friars second shot of the game and gave the visiting team a 1-0 advantage.

The Pioneers best chance to level the game less than a minute after the Providence goal.  SHU mounted a quick attack and was fouled inside the penalty area to earn a penalty kick.  Kee, who scored Friday night against Army, stepped up and tried to place a shot into the lower right corner.  Walker was equal to the task and made a diving save to keep her team on top 1-0.  The teams would battle back and forth the rest of the half but eventually headed into the locker room without another goal.

The Friars found a scoring opportunity 1:15 into the second half but Reichelt came off her line strongly to stop the shot from Amanda Webster.  Five minutes later Reichelt made great diving save on another hard low shot from Webster.   But Providence would keep the pressure on and extend the lead to 2-0 on the ensuing corner kick.  After the initial shot from Lindsey Trubia was blocked Jenna Roncarti slotted home the rebound for her first goal of 2010. 

Providence freshman Stephanie Leonard almost tallied the first goal of her collegiate career midway through the second stanza but her shot rang off the right post as Reichelt crashed into the forward's feet.  The Friars dominated the second half outshooting SHU 10-2 as they defense closed strong to hold off the Pioneers for a 2-0 victory.

The women's soccer team finishes its first weekend of 2010 at 1-1-0.  Sacred Heart returns to action next weekend for two more home games, beginning with a 7:00 pm tilt Friday night against Saint Peter's.