SYRACUSE, N.Y. - Sophomore Hanna Strong (Monson, Mass.) scored her first career goal to lead the Syracuse women's soccer team in its 1-1 tie against Albany on Friday, Aug. 24 at the SU Soccer Stadium. The Orange goes to 1-0-1 on the season, while the Great Danes were playing their first game of the 2012 campaign.
Syracuse took the early lead in the 29th minute on a set play off a throw in. The ball was played into the box where senior Jenna Rickan (Buffalo, N.Y.) flicked it to Strong, who found the back of the net. SU controlled possession in the first half and did not allow a shot on goal.
The Orange continued to be the more dangerous team at the start of the second half, manufacturing several scoring chances. Freshman Erin Simon (Oakhurst, N.J.) appeared to have increased SU's lead to 2-0, but her goal in the 54th minute was disallowed, and freshman Maya Pitts (Montclair, N.J) hit the post with a shot from the left side in the 61st minute of action.
The Great Danes evened the score in the 72nd minute. Albany played the ball long down the right side. Regina Nowicki took possession of the ball and put her shot into the left corner of the net for the equalizer. The Orange continued to produce scoring chances, the best coming with just 1:50 remaining in regulation, but senior Alyscha Mottershead's (Brampton, Ontario) shot went just wide as the teams were tied after 90 minutes of play.
Syracuse outshot Albany, 10-1, in the two extra sessions, but couldn't find the back of the net as it posted a tie in its home opener for the second time in three years.
The Orange dominated the stats sheet, outshooting Albany, 22-6, and holding 13-0 advantage in corner kicks. Junior goalkeeper Brittany Anghel (East Meadow, N.Y.) recorded three saves for SU, while Jackie Ubert had seven saves for Albany.
Syracuse tries to remain unbeaten when it hosts Washington on Sunday at 12 p.m. at the SU Soccer Stadium. Admission to the game is free of charge.
