DANBURY, Conn. – Junior Ariana D'Aurio (Cheshire, Conn.) split two defenders and delivered the game's only goal as the Western Connecticut State University women's soccer team claimed a 1-0 victory over the visitors from Wentworth Institute of Technology at the Westside Athletic Complex Thursday evening.
Western took control of the action in the opening minutes of the first half with D'Aurio nearly getting the Colonials on the scoreboard in the game's opening minute. Senior Tracy Sales (Cumberland, R.I.) crossed a pass that hit D'Aurio in stride, but the shot sailed just over the crossbar. Western controlled time of possession throughout the first half, keeping the ball in the Wentworth end of the field the majority of the half, but after 45 minutes, the score remained 0-0.
Western generated the first quality scoring opportunity of the second half following a foul on Wentworth about 10 yards outside the box. Western's kick was played solidly by senior Cecelia Dias (Prospect, Conn.), but her shot slammed off the crossbar and rebounded off the turf within inches of the goal-line, and then back into play. Six minutes later, Western had another near-miss when Sales lofted a corner kick into the box, but freshman Camille Lawson (Newington, Conn.) redirected the ball just outside the right post.
Western finally broke through the Wentworth defense with just under 20 minutes remaining when sophomore Alexandra Moravsky (Sherman, Conn.) fed D'Aurio as she raced past two defenders and beat the keeper from five yards out for a 1-0 Colonial lead. Western continued to control action in the Wentworth end of the field and held the Leopards off for the win.
For the game, Western held an 18-5 advantage in shots, and also had a 4-1 edge in corner kicks. Western keeper Jamie Trayer (Oakville, Conn.) made five saves to earn the win, while Jess Gardner (Wilbraham, Mass.) recorded six saves in a losing effort for Wentworth.
With the win, Western's season record now stands at 3-1-1, while Wentworth falls to 1-2-1 on the season. Both teams host conference opponents on Saturday with the Colonials hosting Southern Maine and Wentworth hosting Eastern Nazarene. Both games are slated to start at Noon.
(Recap Courtesy of Western Connecticut Sports Information)
