BOSTON, Mass. – Junior Valeria Zapata's (Pawtucket, R.I.) goal with 12:44 remaining in regulation evened the score at 2-all as the Wentworth Institute of Technology women's soccer team tied WPI in non-conference action on Sweeney Field.
Unbeaten in their last three (2-0-1), the Leopards stand at 5-2-1 while the Engineers extend their unbeaten streak to four (2-0-2) and is 3-4-2.
WPI would strike first at 36:43 thanks to a freshman Karina Larson (Storrs, Conn.) set piece from 25 yards out that hit off the crossbar and in. Larson took the shot from the right side and curled it to the left side before it hit the bar and dropped down and in. Wentworth looked to equalize the match before halftime, however after 45:00 the visitors held the advantage. The Leopards outshot the Engineers 8-6 in the first half.
Seven minutes into the second half, the Leopards would even the score at one. Senior Olivia Moore (Salem, Conn.) fired a shot on net that was blocked by a WPI defender. Freshman Emily Richard (Fremont, N.H.) took advantage of a mishandled clear in front of the net and tallied her first collegiate goal. Both teams had chances to take the lead throughout the half, but neither side could find the back of the net for 23 minutes.
At 76:58, Larson once again nailed the crossbar off a set piece and junior Emily Doherty (Shrewsbury, Mass.) was able to score off the rebound to give WPI the 2-1 lead. Only 18 seconds later, Wentworth managed to break through the Engineer defense when Zapata blasted a shot from the left side which was set up by sophomore Amanda Weinberger (Colchester, Conn.) to tie the contest.
Neither side was able to make the most out of the extra time, as off target shots and well played defense ended the match in a 2-2 tie. WPI compiled six shots in the overtime periods, as Wentworth only got off three.
Senior goalie Beverly Farris (Palmer, Mass.) made seven saves for Wentworth, as sophomore Abbey Teliska (LaGrangeville, N.Y.) saved six shots in net for WPI.
The Leopards return to action on Saturday, September 27 to host Salve Regina on Sweeney Field. WPI also plays next on Saturday, as they will be home against Wheaton.
