Goodwin's Brace Gives Blazers Dramatic OT Win

CHICOPEE, Mass. -- It was a home-opener to remember for the Elms College women's soccer team on Wednesday night as the Blazers erased a 2-1 deficit to pick up a 3-2 overtime win over Fitchburg State. Freshman Sydney Goodwin (Lawrence, Mass.) provided the heroics for Elms, scoring the 70th-minute equalizer and the 92nd-minute golden goal.

Fitchburg State (1-2-1) struck first when Elicia Marshall (Taunton, Mass.) caught up to an over-the-top ball inside the box and deflected it past Blazer keeper Rebecca Molin (West Hartford, Conn.). Mikaela Mitchell (Millbury, Mass.) set up the play with the long ball.

Danielle Asklar (Berlin, Conn.) evened the score in the 37th minute when she fired a free kick from about 23 yards past Falcon keeper Sarah Hemmings (Eastham, Mass.). The score remained tied into the second half when Mitchell put Fitchburg State ahead 2-1 in the 60th minute before Goodwin netted the decisive goals. Gigi Thibault (South Hadley, Mass.) assisted the game-winner.

The Blazers (3-2-1) held a 19-12 advantage in shots and 10-6 edge in shots on-goal in the game. Elms also owned a 10-2 lead in corner kicks. Asklar finished with five shots, including three shots on-goal for Elms while Thibault added three shots, and one on-goal.

Marshall led FSU with seven shots, and three on-goal. Hemmings made seven saves for the Falcons while Molin finished with four for the Blazers.

The Blazers played their first five games away from home before Wednesday night, and will hit the road again for their next two contests. They open New England Collegiate Conference play at Dean on Sept. 15 before visiting Western New England on Sept. 19. Fitchburg State will host Mass. Maritime on Sept. 15.