By Jack Poleto
Sports Editor
On Saturday, Oct. 21, women’s soccer faced off at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania against the Mules.
The Shorewomen were looking for a comeback with this game after losing and tying their two games last week. They found their rhythm immediately with a goal just over a minute into the first half of the game.
This was sophomore midfielder Maddy Gayson’s first goal of the season. Senior forward Audrey Flanagan had the assist a perfect setup for the quick goal.
Junior forward Reagan Longridge had a shot on goal just two minutes later but was just too far right. This was no problem for the Shorewomen, Flanagan recovered the ball and passed to Gayson for yet another goal from the duo at the four minute mark.
Gayson had two goals for the Shorewomen on the board, bringing her career total to five goals. Flanagan brought her assists up to four for the season for a great recovery against the Mules.
“Our team has worked well together for the entirety of the season, regardless of the results we’ve had. Our team chemistry is so strong this year which only adds to our resilience in games like Muhlenburg,” Flanagan said.
Flanagan and Gayson racked up shots during the first half, but the Mules’ goalkeeper saved every one. By halftime, the Shorewomen racked up nine shots, a huge lead over the Mules’ singular shot.
It seemed as though the Shorewomen secured their victory, but nine minutes into the second half the Mules fired a shot into the net for their first goal.
The Shorewomen put up a fight, though, as they received 11 fouls in the second half. They also tallied 12 corner kicks, all of which were taken by junior midfielder Kayla Streett.
Muhlenberg took shot after shot on freshman goalkeeper Olivia Allen. She kept four out but at the 83 minute mark the Mules got their second goal, bringing the score to 2-2.
Flanagan and Street refused to accept another tie. Just four minutes after the Mules’ second goal, Flanagan sent the ball to Street for the winning goal. The game ended in a 3-2 win for the Shorewomen.
“It is tough to be up 2-0 at half and then let in two goals, and then come back and win in the last few minutes,” Flanagan said. “Yesterday’s result was a true testament of not only our mental strength but also the team’s trust in one another.”
This game marked WC women’s soccer’s first win against Muhlenberg College since 2000.
This comes just three games after the Shorewomen’s defeat of the Haverford College Fords, which have gone undefeated against WC until now. This has been a great year for the Shorewomen, their record now standing at 6-4-4.
The Shorewomen’s next game is their Senior Day at home against the Franklin & Marshall College Diplomats on Oct. 28 at 4 p.m.
Photo courtesy of WC Athletics
Photo Caption: Freshman defender Emma Armenti steals the ball from Muhlenberg.