
Second-Half Goals Push SHU past Merrimack
10/28/2021 9:22:00 PM | Women's Soccer
Maria Nolan nets game-winning goal off a penalty kick in the 87th minute
NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. – The Sacred Heart University women's soccer team keeps playoff hopes alive as it downs Merrimack, 2-1, thanks to a pair of second-half goals from Azria Malloy and Maria Nolan.
Records
Sacred Heart: 7-6-2, 5-3-1
Merrimack: 4-11-2, 4-6
Top Performers
Maria Nolan (SHU): 4 shots, 2 SOG, 1 goal – game-winner
Azria Malloy (SHU): 3 shots, 2 SOG, 1 goal
Goalies
Elyssa Kipperman (SHU): W, 6-6-2 | 6 saves, 1 goal
Claire DeFlora (MER): L, 0-7-1 |2 saves, 2 goals
Michelle Silva (MER): 2 saves
Up Next
The Pioneers are set to honor their seven seniors on Senior Day on Sunday, October 31 against Bryant. Game time is set for 12 p.m.
Of Note
Merrimack jumped out to a quick lead halfway through the first half. Abigail Cieri one-timed a pass from Ella Cormier that soared its way into the upper 90.
In the 71st minute, Malloy got her foot on a loose ball just outside the box that trickled its way into the back of the net for the equalizer. The goal marks the first for the junior this season.
With three minutes remaining, junior Desiree Crawford drew a hard foul inside the box which resulted in a penalty kick. Nolan took advantage of the opportunity for the game-winning tally and her second goal of the season.
Sacred Heart remains in playoff contention as the Pioneers tie for fourth with Howard at 5-3-1. Both teams conclude the regular season this Sunday to determine the team that moves on into postseason play. The Red & White hold the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Bison thanks to a 2-1 victory on October 10.
Records
Sacred Heart: 7-6-2, 5-3-1
Merrimack: 4-11-2, 4-6
Top Performers
Maria Nolan (SHU): 4 shots, 2 SOG, 1 goal – game-winner
Azria Malloy (SHU): 3 shots, 2 SOG, 1 goal
Goalies
Elyssa Kipperman (SHU): W, 6-6-2 | 6 saves, 1 goal
Claire DeFlora (MER): L, 0-7-1 |2 saves, 2 goals
Michelle Silva (MER): 2 saves
Up Next
The Pioneers are set to honor their seven seniors on Senior Day on Sunday, October 31 against Bryant. Game time is set for 12 p.m.
Of Note
Merrimack jumped out to a quick lead halfway through the first half. Abigail Cieri one-timed a pass from Ella Cormier that soared its way into the upper 90.
In the 71st minute, Malloy got her foot on a loose ball just outside the box that trickled its way into the back of the net for the equalizer. The goal marks the first for the junior this season.
With three minutes remaining, junior Desiree Crawford drew a hard foul inside the box which resulted in a penalty kick. Nolan took advantage of the opportunity for the game-winning tally and her second goal of the season.
Sacred Heart remains in playoff contention as the Pioneers tie for fourth with Howard at 5-3-1. Both teams conclude the regular season this Sunday to determine the team that moves on into postseason play. The Red & White hold the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Bison thanks to a 2-1 victory on October 10.
Team Stats
SHU
MER
Goals
2
1
Shots
14
16
Shots on Goal
6
7
Saves
6
4
Corners
6
3
Fouls
8
7
Scoring Plays

Abigail Cieri (4)
Assisted By: Ella Cormier
GOAL by MER Cieri, Abigail Assist by Cormier, Ella.
21:30

Azria Malloy (1)
GOAL by SHU Malloy, Azria.
71:14

Maria Nolan (1)
SHU Maria Nolan PENALTY KICK GOAL.
86:54
Game Leaders
Players Mentioned
2025 MAAC Women's Soccer Championship
Wednesday, November 12
Sacred Heart v Siena (International Stream)
Sunday, November 02
Sacred Heart v Iona
Wednesday, October 15
Mic'd Up: Casey Mulligan
Wednesday, September 17









































