Late Goal Gives Drew Its First Win

MADISON, N.J. - Megan Fogarty's game winner got the Drew University women's soccer team its first victory of the season in an exciting encounter with DeSales Bulldogs, 2-1, at Ranger Stadium on Wednesday night.  Fogarty (left) scored a great goal in the 80th minute to give Drew the win.  Kaely Phelps opened Drew's scoring with her first collegiate goal before Jessica Baker equalized for the Bulldogs.  The win improves the Rangers record to 1-0-1 while DeSales falls to 0-2.

Drew jumped out to an early lead as Alyssa Goodman's run in the box culminated in a cut back for a charging Kaely Phelps to thump home from close range.  Goodman picked the ball up 40 yards from goal and split two DeSales defenders before pulling back for Phelps.  It was Phelps' first collegiate goal and a 1-0 advantage for Drew after ten minutes.

The lead didn't last long as Jessica Baker was set free by a quick through ball from Emily LeDuke.  Baker slid the ball past Drew keeper Deirdre Burns for the equalizer at the 14 minute mark.

Drew controlled most of the play for the first half, playing the ball well and keeping possession and creating a number of chances.  Cailin McGrorry's long distance shot was on target, but right at the keeper and Laura Zeiden repeated the feat at the 30 minute mark.  Zeiden again threatened a few minutes later, left her shot just outside the near post.  Lori Reiter make a nice run down the left to get onto Chelsea LeDuc's pass and after turning her defender twice sent a tantalizing cross that two Rangers were unable to reach.   Just moments later Zeiden sent in a great corner kick that Kim Milanovic connected on, but was denied by Bulldog keeper Katie Halpin.  Megan Fogarty ripped the rebound high as DeSales was let off the hook again. 

The Bulldogs continued to try and play long balls past the Ranger defense, but outside of Jessica Baker's goal without success.  The Bulldogs had an earlier chance after a squibbed goal kick that Baker fired off the bar in a strike of fortune for the Rangers.  Jena Mealey forced Drew keeper Deirdre Burns into action with just over three minutes remaining with a long shot that Burns parried over the bar for a corner for the last opportunity of the half to keep the score at 1-1.  

The second half saw more back and forth action as each team pushed forward for the winner.  The Rangers had a couple of chances after Zeiden sent in another good corner that the Bulldogs cleared off the line after a scramble in the box.  Chelsea LeDuc hammered the clearance right back at goal, but unfortunately directly at keeper Katie Haplin.

Drew did get the winner through Fogarty's great finish.  After getting onto the end of a Bulldog header, Fogarty shrugged off a pair of challenges to get to the right side of the 18 yard box where she finished low and hard to the far post.

The final ten minutes were nervous ones for the Rangers, but Drew keeper Deirdre Burns was quick off her line all night to prevent the Bulldog long balls from causing too much damage.  She even made a flying punch of a long distance shot later in the game.  After Allison McCord made a crucial tackle inside the box on a Bulldog breakaway the victory was sealed.

The Rangers improve to 1-0-1 with the win heading into their Fall Festival this coming weekend.