The New York Surf scored three minutes into its match and held onto the lead the rest of the way to register a 1-0 victory over the Worcester Smiles in the United Women’s Soccer opener for both teams in Worcester, Mass. Friday.
Maegan Doyle’s corner kick found the head of an onrushing Sara Plowman for the game’s only goal. The expansion Smiles, playing its home game at Foley Stadium, played the Surf evenly the rest of the way and carried the run of play for a significant portion of the second half.
Kristina Balfoort’s blast from the top of the box was parried away by Surf goalkeeper Jamie Block (three saves) as the shot deflected off the crossbar. Block was called upon a second time to preserve the lead with a save off a shot from Smiles’ midfielder Giana Leone.
Veteran goalkeeper Brittany Henderson, who last played in the W-League in 2010 for the Long Island Rough Riders, made six saves for the Smiles.
New England Mutiny 3, Connecticut Fusion 2
The Mutiny overcame a 2-1 second half deficit to win at Farmington Sports Arena in Farmington, Conn. Friday night.
All-UWS East selection Brenna Brown scored the regular season’s first goal with an assist from Mutiny all-time leading scorer Kate Howarth in the seventh minute. The Fusion equalized on goal from former Mutiny forward Tori Sousa in the 19th minute, after Mutiny goalkeeper Lysianne Proulx (11 saves) made a remarkable kick save but the rebound went straight to Sousa.
Rachel Morrier put the home team in front with a goal in the 57th minute. The Mutiny tied the match on Marissa Aniolowski’s goal eight minutes later. In the 75th minute, a 60-yard run from Mutiny defender Elena Santos culminated with the game-winning goal. The Mutiny lineup was bolstered by the performance of former U.S. women’s national team player Meghan Schnur.
New Jersey Copa FC-LI Rough Riders, ppd.
It was the hope that one of the worst winters in the Northeast in recent memory would bring favorable spring weather. Such was not the case as severe thunderstorms and lightning in the area caused the postponement of the match between Long Island and New Jersey at Saint John Vianney High School in Holmdel, N.J. The two teams will re-schedule the match soon.