Keene State Women’s Soccer battled the University of Massachusetts Boston Beacons (UMass-Boston) through 90 minutes of rainy soccer on Saturday, Sept. 26, at the Owl Athletic Complex, ending in a 0-0 draw. The Owls moved to 3-4-2 overall and 1-1-1 in Little East Conference play while earning a point in the Little East Conference (LEC) standings.
UMass-Boston came out attacking early, but sophomore goalkeeper Michaela DiCiccio kept the Beacons off the scoreboard with an early save before the Owls’ defense turned away two corner kicks. Keene State responded with chances of its own as junior forward Keely Giordano and senior midfielder Emily O’Connell each tested the UMass-Boston goalkeeper, but neither shot found the back of the net.
Giordano appeared to give the Owls the lead after finding the back of the net off a pass from senior midfielder Elizabeth Tschudin, but the goal was called back because of an offside violation. UMass-Boston continued to pressure the Owls, but DiCiccio made three saves during the remainder of the first half to keep the game scoreless heading into halftime.
The Beacons continued their offensive pressure early in the second half. DiCiccio came out of the box to deny a breakaway chance and received a yellow card on the play. UMass-Boston later appeared to score, but the play had already been stopped.
Keene State faced another dangerous opportunity in the 73rd minute when a UMass-Boston shot struck the crossbar before bouncing down near the goal line. The Owls’ defense blocked the follow-up attempt, keeping the game tied. DiCiccio added another save moments later.
The Owls had opportunities late in the game as senior defender Elise Saab put three shots on target, including two free kicks and a header, but the UMass-Boston goalkeeper stopped each attempt. With under two minutes remaining, the Beacons created one final dangerous chance inside the Owls’ box. First-year defender Jada Lucas cleared the ball away from the goal line, helping Keene State preserve the shutout and secure the 0-0 draw.
DiCiccio finished with seven saves for her third shutout in the last four games.
The Owls will return to action Wednesday, Sept. 30, when they travel to Wheaton College at 4 p.m.
Lauren Bender can be contacted at
lbender@kscequinox.com.
