WEST HAVEN, Conn. – Senior striker Madison Blonde (Rockland, Mass./Rockland) singlehandedly erased a one-goal deficit and led the New Haven women's soccer team to a 2-1 win over the visiting Pace Setters on Wednesday afternoon at Kathy Zolad Stadium. With the win, New Haven improves to 3-4-2 on the season and 1-3 in NE10 action.
Both of Blonde's goals came in the second half, erasing a halftime deficit and earning the Chargers their first win in conference play. Additionally, the victory ends a three-game skid and concludes a scoreless drought that dated back to a September 3 win over Saint Thomas Aquinas.
Blonde's two second half goals came in a frame where the Chargers dominated much of the run of play, limiting the visiting team to just three second half shots, none of which were marked on goal. Charger keeper Amanda McQuillian finished the victory without recording a save.
The equalizing goal from the senior striker came just over 10 minutes into the second half action as she worked with freshman Caitlyn Toom (Milford, N.H./Brewster Academy) to scored in the 56th minute. Toom intercepted a clearing attempt by the Setters, brought the ball down and found Blonde at the top of the 18-yard box. From there, Blonde dribbled into the center of the box where she chipped a shot over the outstretched arms of the Setters keeper to even the score.
After a handful of opportunities went unfinished over the next 30 minutes, the Blonde broke through again early in the 88th minute, this time connecting with another rookie, Ashlee Crumrine (Bristol, Conn./Bristol). This time around, Crumrine fired a long cross to the opposite side of the box where Blonde collected and maneuvered around a fallen defender and fired to the lower right corner for the game-winning tally.
Pace would look to make a rally in the final two minutes of the action, but New Haven successfully cleared all attempts out of its defensive third, securing the win and three points in the conference standings.
New Haven will continue a two-game homestand on Saturday, September 24 when they host Saint Anselm for another NE10 conference match-up. Opening kickoff against the Hawks is slated for 1:00 p.m. with all of the action available live on the Charger Sports Network, part of NE10 NOW.
