SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – The Skidmore College women's soccer team defeated No. 18 Williams in a 1-0 shutout at Wachenheim Field on Wednesday evening for the program's first victory in the series matchup since 1989.
The Thoroughbreds (3-2-2) capitalized offensively once the opportunity arose in the first half, breaking through in the 18th minute when sophomore
Mara Grace connected with senior
Ellianna Caporusso for the game's lone goal. The score also ended Skidmore's 11-game goal drought against the Ephs (5-2).
Skidmore's defense withstood a persistent Williams attack that held an 18-5 advantage in shots, as junior goalkeeper
Sophia Sayers stepped up with seven key saves to secure the clean sheet and her fifth career victory.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Junior Alina Alcantara placed Skidmore's first shot on goal in the 12th minute.
- Sayers made four saves in the opening 14 minutes to turn away early Williams scoring chances.
- The Thoroughbreds broke through in the 18th minute when Grace moved past a defender near midfield and delivered a pinpoint through ball into the attacking third to Caporusso, who got behind the Williams backline, dribbled around the goalkeeper and scored.
- Sayers closed out the first half with saves in the 38th and 42nd minutes.
- Skidmore looked for an insurance goal in the second half, but shots on goal from Caporusso and junior Sarah Hailey in the 64th and 68th minutes were both saved.
- In the 76th minute, Sayers stopped the Ephs' final shot on goal, setting up a final defensive stand that saw the Thoroughbreds concede just one more shot attempt the rest of the way to secure the shutout.
STANDOUT THOROUGHBREDS
- Caporusso scored her first goal of the season and third of her career.
- Grace dished out her first assist of the year and second of her career.
UP NEXT
The Thoroughbreds resume Liberty League action on Saturday by battling Ithaca on the road. Start time is set for 2 PM.
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