Leopards Blanked by WPI, 2-0

(Courtesy of WPI Sports Information)

Worcester, MA--- Junior Kristen Garza (Kingston, MA) scored a pair of goals, and in the process tied the WPI career goal scoring record as the host Engineers defeated Wentworth 2-0 in non-conference women's soccer action on Thursday night.  With the win, WPI is now 1-1 on the young season, while the Leopards fall to 0-2.

After a scoreless first half, Garza dented the scoring column in the 58th minute when she buried a feed from Victoria Howland (Red Hook, NY) to give the Crimson and Gray a 1-0 advantage.  Just over seven minutes later, Garza picked up her own rebound and netted her third goal of the season and 28th of her standout career. The junior is now tied with Beth Gilbert '01 atop the WPI career goal scoring list.

Rebecca Newman (Howell, NJ) recorded a shutout in her first collegiate start for the Engineers.  The freshmen was credited with two saves on the night.  Katherine Matthews (Northboro, MA) and Jess Gardner (Wilbraham, MA) split time in net for Wentworth, registering three and six saves respectively. 

After a first half that saw WPI enjoy a slight 5-4 edge in shots, the hosts tallied 12 of the game's 15 second half shots.  Wentworth held a 4-2 advantage in corner kicks.

WPI hits the road on Saturday for its first away match of 2009.  They travel to Salem State for a noon match-up.  Wentworth is off until Tuesday when they entertain Emerson at 7pm.