Montclair State University Athletics

Montclair, NJ – The Montclair State University Women's Soccer team erased a two-goal second half deficit to draw the University of Hartford 2-2 on Friday afternoon at MSU Soccer Park.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Red Hawks (1-0-1) battled with the visitors early, with neither side conceding a shot on frame until the 15th minute, as LAUREN VINELLA ripped a shot towards the top of goal that had to be stopped by the Hawks. Ten minutes later, MACKENZIE SIBELLO notched a crucial stop to maintain the scoreless contest. 
• On a corner kick in the 38th minute, Sibello parried away a shot on the initial attempt towards the far side of the box, but after a scramble right in front of goal, Hartford capitalized on the loose ball and broke the scoring open. With three minutes remaining in the opening stanza, GIANA CONELLI attempted to chip the keeper from just outside the box, and Sibello made one more save just before the half to make the gap one at the break.
• The visitors doubled their advantage two and a half minutes into the second half, as a long run down the near side of the field resulted in a through ball that was initially prevented by the Red Hawks, but Hartford regained possession with a run into the box, cut towards the middle, and a low-slotted shot into the near post. Montclair countered immediately, as a ball played in off a free kick from the far touch line found the foot of Vinella, who had her shot stopped by the keeper. SAMIRA LUKOVIC was there for the rebound, sending a shot into the back of the net to put the home side back within one.
• Montclair found the equalizer in the 69th minute, as ISABELL KRONOW won possession just outside of the box, made a run towards midfield, and perfectly placed a ball over the top of the defense to KAYLEE LAUBER. The striker collected the feed on a breakaway, cut to the left of the keeper, and pushed a left-footed shot into the back of the net. The Red Hawks continued to push as they looked for the go-ahead score, as Kronow had a shot stopped in the 79th minute. Across the final 10 minutes of play, Lukovic recorded two shots on goal, as well as a rip that went off the woodwork, as the two sides ended level at two.

INSIDE THE RESULTS

• Lauber's goal marked her third across her first two collegiate appearances, with Kronow notching her first assist of the campaign and sixth of her Montclair career. She has recorded four goal contributions over two games.
• The goal for Lukovic was the eighth of her collegiate career and first of the season.
• Sibello tallied five saves in goal for the Red Hawks.
• Montclair held a 15-8 advantage in shots, including a 9-7 edge in shots on goal.

FROM THE FIELD

"That was an awesome college soccer game. I thought our kids showed a great deal of resiliency and guts to fight back from a two goal deficit against a very good Hartford team. I am hoping that as the season progresses, we can develop a bit more consistency in the quality of our play." - Head Coach Pat Naughter

UP NEXT

The Red Hawks will travel to face Johnson & Wales on Sunday, September 6. Kickoff from Providence, RI is scheduled for 1:00 PM.