Women's Soccer- Williams defeats Springfield, 4-0
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The Ephs' offense looked startled in the first half, as the Pride put heavy numbers on the back half of the field in hopes of quelling the home team’s offensive fire. The game plan was largely successful in the first half for Springfield, with the only goal coming late in the period at the 38:53 mark. Walmsley found Snyder on the right side of the net, who took a shot that bounced off a Pride defender and in for a 1-0 lead heading into halftime.
They [Springfield] played a very conservative style that we have not seen yet,” said Williams’ head coach Michelyne Pinard. “It took us a while to solve it, and utilize what space they were giving us on the field.”
Williams found their stride in the second period, scoring their final three goals in a fourteen-minute span. Eisenhart found her way into the mix at the 67:07 mark, directing the ball from mid-air to the back right corner of the goal. Brianna Wolfson had attempted to shoot the ball but was blocked by a defender, and Eisenhart capitalized on another one of her signature second-chance efforts. Snyder struck just four minutes later for the 3-0 lead. Walmsley crossed the ball to Samantha Vilboa, who in turn found Snyder streaking down the lane for the goal.
The final goal of the afternoon came off a quick transition play by the duo of Walmsley and Snyder. After a cleared corner, Walmsley dribbled the ball upfield on a fast break on the left side, while Snyder raced ahead in the middle of the field. The Ephs' senior found her junior teammate up ahead and Snyder got off a perfectly placed arching shot for the clean goal.
“Those two [Walmsley and Snyder] connect so well together on the field,” said Pinard. “They have a similar style of play, and create opportunities from their work ethic and selflessness.”
Springfield’s initial strategy did not pay dividends in the second half, as the Pride managed only one shot at net in the latter period. Ephs' keeper Lauren Sinnenberg is credited with the win, her second of the season. Pride keeper Katie Delude suffered her first loss and relinquished her first goals of the season in today’s contest.
“With this type of a game it is very easy to get frustrated,” continued Pinard. “The team did a good job of staying composed.”
Williams will return to conference play on Saturday against Connecticut College at 1:30 p.m. on Cole Field.
