BOX SCORE Box Score

WEST HAVEN, Conn. - Sophomore Lucy Francisco (Lawrence, Mass.) scored the game-winning goal midway through the second overtime period as the University of New Haven women's soccer team defeated Dowling College 2-1 Tuesday afternoon at Kayo Field. With the win the Chargers improve to 5-4-2 overall, while the Golden Lions fall to 6-3-1 on the season.

The first half of the game featured a quick start from the visiting Golden Lions. Alexis Parrotta carried the ball down the left side of the field and sent a cross into the middle of the penalty area. Cassandra Cronin took one touch in the box and ripped a shot to the upper left corner of the goal for an early 1-0 lead.

After the goal, possession evened out between the two teams leading to several more scoring chances. The best opportunity came in the 33rd minute for the Chargers when Holly Dawson (Banffshire, Scotland) got in behind the Golden Lions’ backline. Unfortunately Dawson’s strike sailed outside of the right post and out for a goal kick. As the halftime whistle sounded, Dowling carried a 1-0 advantage into the locker rooms.

The second half had a similar start to the first, except with the Chargers on the scoring end in the first 12 minutes of play. Dawson, with the ball at her feet, raced down the left side of the field and whipped a low cross to the middle of the penalty area. Emily Buckley-Matura (Brooklyn, N.Y.) collected the pass in front of the goal and placed a shot to the right side of the net. The ball hit square off the post and back across the middle where Buckley-Matura slammed home the rebound for the equalizer. Buckley-Matura’s tally marked her fifth goal of the season.

For the remaining 30 minutes of the second half and for a majority of the first overtime period, the Chargers and Golden Lions exchanged opportunities. The Chargers eventually took the upper hand as the first overtime period unfolded, controlling the ball for most of the second portion of the period.

As the second overtime period began, the Chargers tallied one shot before Francisco found the back of the net. The forward received a crossing pass from Buckley-Matura before slipping a shot in the upper-left corner of the Golden Lions' net. The goal was her third of the season, while Buckley-Matura dished out her second assist of 2010.

Francisco led the Chargers with five shots, while Dawson and Buckley-Matura each added three. In the net, UNH goalkeeper Kim Taylor (Patchogue, N.Y.) had an excellent day and stopped 11 shots on goal, including one in each of the overtime periods.

New Haven returns to action on Friday, October 8th when they play host to Southern New Hampshire at Kayo Field. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m.