WILKES-BARRE, PA (September 29, 2018) –
Emily Harrington scored in the 87th minute and freshman keeper
Tara Bender was fantastic all night to lead the King's College women's soccer team to a 1-0 victory over FDU-Florham in the Middle Atlantic Conference Freedom opener on Saturday night at McCarthy Stadium in Wilkes-Barre.
The Monarchs (4-4, 1-0 MAC Freedom) and Devils (7-2-1, 0-1 MAC Freedom) seemed destined for overtime until the 87th minute when the Monarchs sent a pass up the middle of the field towards a streaking Harrington. Harrington, the FDU-Florham keeper, and center back all convened on the ball at the same time right outside the box and there was a three-person collision with the ball staying close by. Harrington was the first to recover from the hit, gathered the ball, took one dribble for space, and rocketed the ball into the back of the net for the game-winning goal.
Bender kept the high-scoring Devils off the scoreboard for her second career shutout making a career-high nine saves. FDU-Florham entered the contest leading the conference in scoring but were shut down by Bender and the Monarch defense all night.
The Devils had an early opportunity following a corner kick nearly two minutes in. Erica Martins sent a header in towards goal that Bender denied. The Monarchs responded by driving the ball down the field to earn their first corner kick.
Breanna Jacinto connected with Harrington for a header in the box but Ashley Paulino was able to make the save in goal.
Early in the sixth minute Bender made an excellent save on a shot from Martins that seemed destined for the back of the net. KC countered the Devil attack once again nearly scoring in the 22nd minute on a rebound attempt.
Kara Keim sent a shot in towards goal from outside the box that Paulino got a glove on but could not corral.
Allison Andrew saw an opportunity and beat Paulino to the ball and attempted to knock the ball back in towards goal. Paulino was able to get a piece of the shot as it went over the goal line for a corner kick.
Tatiana Nieto nearly gave the Devils the lead in the 28th minute when her shot hit the post. The Monarch defense was able to grab the rebound and kick it safely away. FDU-Florham pressed for the rest of the half looking for the go-ahead goal. However, the Monarch defense buckled down and kept the Devils off the scoreboard. Bender made another terrific save on a shot by Nieto in the 38th minute on a free kick attempt from a little outside the box.
The second half played very similar to the first with the teams exchanging blows. King's took the first jab in the 50th minute with
Danielle Putnam taking a shot that Paulino was able to keep out of the back of the net. The Devils countered with three shots on goal in a span of two minutes. Bender was able to catch each attempt with no problems to keep the match scoreless.
The Devils kept the pressure on Bender and the Monarchs defense, but they were up to the challenge as Bender grabbed any ball that was sent her way. FDU-Florham finished the match with 18 shots and nine on goal compared to seven shots and five on goal for King's.
Harrington scored her second goal of the season and fourth of her career to give King's their first victory over FDU-Florham since a 2-1 decision in 2014.
The Monarchs will be back in action on Wednesday hosting Stockton University at 5 p.m. in McCarthy Stadium.
--MONARCHS--
