Late Goals Lift Scranton Past Farmingdale

September 21, 2013

FARMINGDALE, N.Y. – The University of Scranton women’s soccer team got a goal late in regulation, then won it late in overtime on a tally by senior forward Samantha Russo (Yorktown Heights, N.Y./Yorktown), beating Farmingdale State, 3-2, on Saturday afternoon.

Russo’s unassisted game-winner came 90 seconds before the end of a first overtime period. Her shot snuck past the Farmingdale State keeper and into the bottom right corner, capping a comeback from 1-0 and 2-1 deficits.

The goal was Russo’s fourth of the season and 26^th of her career. It was her 13^th career game-winner, third of the season and second in the Royals’ last two matches. She also picked up an assist in the first half and now has 10 points on the season and 73 for her career. Her 26 goals are the 13^th most in school history, her 21 assists are tied for eighth and her 73 points are 13^th.

Russo’s heroics were only possible because freshman forward Kelsey Bacon (Macungie, Pa./Emmaus) scored at the 82:48 mark on an assist by sophomore forward Gianna Vitolo (Denville, N.J./Morris Knolls). Bacon now has four goals and two assists, tying her with Russo for the team lead in points with 10.

Scranton also received a goal from freshman midfielder Kelly Egan (Essex Falls, N.J./West Essex Senior) in the 10^th minute on assists by Russo and freshman midfielder Shannon McKenna (Islip, N.Y./Islip). The goal was the first of Egan’s career while McKenna picked up her first career assist.

The Royals (5-2) trailed in the eighth minute when Farmingdale State sophomore forward Ashlee Thompson (Ronkonkoma, N.Y./Sachem North) got past the defense and scored from eight yards out. After Egan tied the match less than three minutes later, Thompson put the Rams (4-4) back in front when she scored her seventh goal of the season.

Scranton held a 12-9 advantage in shots, including 9-2 after halftime; Russo’s goal was the only shot by either team in overtime. The Royals have five corner kicks to none for the Rams.

Senior goalkeeper Kelsy McAnelly (West Chester, Pa./Villa Maria Academy) made four saves to earn her fourth victory of the season and 29^th of her career.

The five-match winning streak is the longest for Scranton since the Royals won seven straight late in the 2010 season.

Scranton is back in action on Tuesday, Sept. 24, when the Royals host Muhlenberg at 7 p.m. at Fitzpatrick Field.

--ROYALS--