EAST LONGMEADOW, Mass. – Talk about leaving it late.
The Rochester Lady Lancers scored in the 90th minute to pull off a 2-2 draw with the New England Munity in their United Women’s Soccer season opener at East Longmeadow High School Saturday night.
Elin Eklund was credited with the goal, which was set up by Mariah Williams.
It was the first road point in team history as the Lady Lancers (0-0-1) did not win or tie a road game in their inaugural season in 2017. Last year Rochester dropped both matches to New England last year, 5-1 and 2-1.
The match seemed destined to a wild finish as the two teams combined for three goals in the final 10 minutes.
The Mutiny (1-0-1) equalized at 1-1 in the 80th minute as the ball bounced over the head of a Rochester center back as forward Kate Howarth slipped the ball under goalkeeper Kenna Kosinski.
Five minutes later, the hosts grabbed a 2-1 lead as Yo Tachibana headed in Marissa Aniolowski’s right-wing cross.
The visitors, however, would not go silently into the night as they knotted things up in the final minute.
Rochester drew first blood in the 56th minute as Jada Sargeant pounced on a loose ball in the penalty area after a counterattack for a 1-0 edge.
The Lady Lancers will meet the Worcester Smiles at Foley Stadium Sunday at 5 p.m.
They will return home to host the Connecticut Fusion in their home opener at Marina Auto Stadium Sunday, May 27 at 2 p.m.
That will be the first game of a doubleheader as the Lancers will welcome Erie Commodores FC in their home opener at 5 p.m. The Lancers dropped their NPSL season opener to Cleveland SC Saturday night, 2-0.
