Puopolo's Late Goal Keeps Gophers Unbeaten, Untied

Team's Ninth Win in Last 10 Non-Conference Home Games

TOWSON, Md. — It took more than 80 minutes, but a timely goal provided Goucher with a 1-0 victory over Wesley tonight and its first-ever 7-0 start to a season.

After a scoreless first period in which the Gophers mustered only three shots, they turned it up a few notches in the final 45 minutes, creating a flurry of chances to take the lead.

The first of Goucher's great looks came when Katherine Matthew-Parker (New Orleans, La./St. Martin's Episcopal) created a one-on-one with goalkeeper Sydney Kahan of the Wolverines on the wing. The junior forward's perfectly placed shot was turned away, however, by a superb sprawling save.

Four minutes later, Sarah Eaby (New Holland, Pa./Lancaster Country Day School) found the ball at her feet with just Kahan ahead of her. The senior shook the keeper, but was forced a little too far wide, leaving her an impossible angle at the open net.

Finally, on Goucher's ninth shot of the contest, Lindsey Puopolo (Glen Arm, Md./St. Timothy's) got the home team on the scoreboard at 81:18. After a bouncing ball came to her 25 yards out, the midfielder never hesitated, lofting a long shot over the jumping keeper and just under the crossbar. The goal extended the midfielder's scoring streak to four games and was her sixth goal over that span.

After running out the remaining 7:42, the Gophers (7-0) found themselves with not only the best start in the 24-year history of the school's women's soccer program, but also the longest winning streak. In addition, it was Goucher's ninth victory in the last 10 non-conference games played on Beldon Field.

In net, Lexi Rudolph (Kensington, Md./Our Lady of Good Counsel) had three saves, all in the first half, to give the team six clean sheets through seven games. The first-year player now holds a 0.35 goals against average and 0.909 save percentage in her career.

"This was a huge win for us heading into conference play," head coach Tati Korba said after the game. "It's tough playing three games in five days, but I'm very proud of our effort. We have created some chances and finished well."

The Wolverines (5-3-1) outshot the home side, 5-3,  in the first half, but only attempted once on net in the second frame.