BROOKLINE, Mass. – Sophomore Kimberly Slade scored her first collegiate goal in the second minute to help the Northeastern women’s soccer team top New Hampshire, 1-0, on Sunday at Parsons Field.

The Huskies (2-1-1) dominated from start to finish, outshooting the Wildcats (1-3-0) by a 26-4 margin, while holding a 10-1 advantage in corner kicks. Northeastern’s defense was sharp once again, limiting UNH to just two shots on target as senior Paige Burnett posted her 17th career shutout. The Huskies have still not allowed a goal in regulation this season and own three shutouts in four matches.

After coming up empty on the scoresheet against La Salle and Providence, Northeastern wasted no time ending its scoring drought. Just 1:39 into the match, senior Lahaina Zoller beat a UNH defender on the right wing and centered to Slade for a powerful, first-time finish in the center of the box. 

Freshman Carly Wilhelm nearly opened her collegiate account on a breakaway 15 minutes later, but UNH keeper Mimi Borkan (14 saves) came to the rescue with a sliding stop.

Fellow freshman Kayla Cappuzzo was also heavily involved early on, and was unlucky not to score on a trio of golden chances. After Borkan denied a Hannah Lopiccolo shot from the right wing, Cappuzzo pounced on the ball in the box and just missed high on the rebound attempt at the 24-minute mark. Cappuzzo was then stopped twice at point-blank range midway through the half after some nice interplay with senior Maria Lanyi.

Northeastern again came close in the waning minutes of the frame when Lopiccolo lined up a shot from outside the box that fooled Borkan, but struck the outside of the right post and stayed out.

The Huskies kept their foot on the pedal in the second stanza, but Borkan again was up to the task. The Wildcats’ keeper denied Slade from the right wing midway through the half, and did well to parry Taylor Caparo’s attempt on the rebound. Minutes later, Borkan produced another impressive double-save in close, first on Cappuzzo and then on Awnalisa Walker’s follow-up.

Burnett was called into action with seven minutes to play as Meghan Ledwith ripped a low shot from the left wing that the Huskies’ keeper deftly tipped around the far post.

Northeastern returns to action on Wednesday, Sept. 3 against Boston College at Parsons Field. The Huskies will be looking for a bit of revenge after falling to the Eagles, 2-0, in the first round of the 2013 NCAA Tournament. Opening kick is set for 6 p.m.

---

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

Men's Team of the Week: Nov. 25

Women's Team of the Week: Nov. 25

ECNL Boys Ohio Valley Players to Watch