The Stony Brook women’s soccer team hosted Bryant University this past Thursday night at LaValle Stadium and defeated Bryant 2-1. This win was important, as it proved to be a quick turnaround for a young Seawolves team that was coming off a 5-0 loss to Boston College earlier in the week.
The Seawolves seemed poised to put the loss to Boston College behind them early, as Brooke Barbuto almost gave them a lead in the fifth minute of the game, but instead rang one off the post. About halfway through the first half, Stony Brook opened the scoring with a goal from leading scorer Trine Allenberg. Allenberg took a pass from sophomore Sarah Dwyer outside the 18 yard box and was able to put it past Bryant goalkeeper Katie Mitchell.
Despite heading into halftime with a 1-0 lead, Bryant held an 8-5 advantage in shots at the break. In the second half Bryant would tie the game in the 51st minute on a shot by Sarah Donavon from 20 yards out.
‘We were happy we won the game but disappointed in the way we played,’ Assitant Coach Steve Welham said. ‘We were erratic and inconsistent at times leading to an individualistic game instead of a team game.’
The game would remain tied for less than five minutes, as junior Kate Collins would score the game winner for Stony Brook in the 56th minute. Collins made a run down the left sideline and blasted a shot past the lunging goalkeeper to give Stony Brook a 2-1 lead.
‘With Colleen McKenna out injured for the game we had Kate Collins step up and have a very solid outing,’ Welham said after the game.
‘The contest lacked a certain ebb and flow that is needed when playing good possession and attacking soccer,’ Welham said. ‘Too many times we found ourselves sucked into the opposition’s game plan.’
Seawolves goalkeeper Marisa Viola recorded her fourth win of the season, making eight saves. The Seawolves are now 4-3 so far this season.
‘Viola was again solid in goal and her presence was felt by the opposition as she flattened a Bryant player late in game,’ Welham said. ‘Needless to say Bryant did not serve any more lofted or driven balls into the box for the remainder of time.’
The Seawolves next game is Thursday night, visiting local rival Hofstra for what should prove to be another test for the Seawolves. The next two games, against Hofstra and then Columbia, will round out an intense non-conference schedule that the Seawolves hope will prepare them for America East competition.
