After a 74th minute goal from junior forward Manuela Corcho put the Seawolves ahead 3-0, the Wildcats’ offense ignited for a furious late-game comeback, scoring two goals in under ten minutes.
But it was too little too late, as Stony Brook Women’s Soccer warded off a surging New Hampshire team for a 3-2 victory, spoiling senior night at Bremner Field this Thursday.
With its sixth straight win, Stony Brook improved its conference record to 6-1 and clinched the America East regular season title, guaranteeing a first round bye in the America East Tournament.
The two teams were embattled in a defensive struggle during the first half, as neither team found the back of the net. The Seawolves were only able to muster one shot throughout the half’s entirety, while the Wildcats attempted eight shots, four of which were on goal.
The pace of the game picked up midway through the second half when the scoring seal was broken in the 64th minute by sophomore forward Julie Johnstonbaugh. Following a cross from senior midfielder Amy Thompson, Johnstonbaugh struck the ball into the bottom right corner of the net for her third goal of the season.
The Seawolves would add another goal just three minutes later when freshman midfielder Lea Kalmbach scored on a header in front of the net. Like the previous goal, the ball was fed by Thompson, this time via a corner kick.
New Hampshire responded with a goal of their own in the 76th minute after freshman forward Kaylan Williams netted her first goal of the season.
The Wildcats continued to try and claw their way back in the 83rd minute, as a foul in the box led to a penalty shot by junior forward Brooke Murphy, which she buried into the bottom left corner of the goal for her 10th goal of the season, cutting the deficit to 3-2.
Stony Brook ended the game with just six shots, all of them on goal, while New Hampshire attacked the net on many occasions, ending with 19 shots, 12 of which were on goal. The Wildcat attack was continuously shut down by sophomore goalkeeper Cara Gallagher, who picked up 10 saves for the Seawolves.
The Seawolves will step back on the field on Sunday, Oct. 23 at 1 p.m. as they return home to wrap up the regular season against the Hartford Hawks.
