Golden Girl
LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. – Brittany Pfaff is enjoying a fantastic start to her senior season. The Saints’ captain scored twice including the game-winning golden goal in the 95th minute as Siena Women’s Soccer shook off UMass-Lowell 2-1 in overtime.
Siena (3-1) turned up the pressure in overtime, setting up several crosses from the right from Michelle Yanniello. Eventually the hard work paid off. Yanniello found Taylor D’Alfonso in the middle who spun to her left and found a wide open Pfaff who punched it over the keeper for the game-winner.
Pfaff has scored four goals in four games and already has as many points this season (11) as she did in 31 matches encompassing the past two years combined. The game-winning tally was the seventh of Pfaff’s career, tying her for third in program history.
The Saints dominated throughout, out-shooting UMass-Lowell (0-3) 29-6 and held an 11-1 edge in corners. Pfaff, who individually outshot the Riverhawks 7-6, opened the scoring in the 16th minute finishing a pass threaded through the middle from D’Alfonso.
But despite their chances, Siena couldn’t find the second goal to put away UMass-Lowell. Looking for their first Division I victory, the Riverhawks hung around. Following a turnover in the Siena end, Taylor Packwood gained possession and lofted the ball over keeper Liz Rogan to tie the score in the 52nd minute.
The Wilton, N.Y. (Saratoga Springs) native and 2011 Section II Class AA Player of the Year, Rogan played the second half and overtime making two saves to earn the win in her collegiate debut. Local product Erin Kelly of Schenectady posted a clean sheet, starting and playing the first half in goal.
UMass-Lowell keeper Jill Carlson made 12 saves, keeping the new Division I program close.
Pfaff’s fellow senior captain D’Alfonso assisted on both of her goals and continues to give the Saints a solid one-two punch up front. D’Alfonso has already tied her career-high with five points and also out-shot UMass-Lowell singlehandedly, taking eight shots including four which were on target as the Saints improved to a remarkable 23-1-1 in non-conference home matches since 2007.
The Saints are back in action Sunday when they travel to Stony Brook for a 2 p.m. kickoff.
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