Box Score
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – A Harvard goal late in the first half proved to be the difference as the Crimson scored a 1-0 win over the LIU Brooklyn women's soccer team on Sunday afternoon. Senior Jessica Sexton recorded seven saves in the loss for the Blackbirds, who fall to 2-4-1 on the season.
LIU had its best opportunity to get on the board in the 17th minute, as a giveaway by the Crimson led to a chance. Freshman Tori Shinkowitz tracked down a long pass from classmate Madison Gomez down the left side of the pitch to initiate the play.
A Harvard defender was able to stop the first run and passed to Harvard goalkeeper Lizzie Durack, who gave the ball right back to Shinkowitz steps from goal.
The Laurel Springs, N.J., product made a move to the inside and fired a shot on frame but was denied by Durack.
Moments later, senior Jessica Sexton kept the contest scoreless as she made a kick save on an attempt from 10 yards out by Marie Margolius.
Harvard received all the offense it would need in the 38th minute as a throw in led to the match's only goal. Meg Casscells-Hamby had the initial shot off the throw that Sexton stopped, but the rebound came right out to Margaret Purce who converted on the doorstep to put the score at 1-0.
In the 51st minute, the Crimson had a pair of opportunities to extend the lead but a shot from Elizabeth Weisman was saved on a nice play by LIU defender Shannon O'Connor. The rebound came back to Weisman but her subsequent attempt hit the crossbar.
Sexton continued to keep the Blackbirds in the match, making four stops over the final 30 minutes but the LIU offense could not get untracked as it was held without a shot in the second stanza.
The Blackbirds continue their road swing on Friday, Sept. 20 against Delaware. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m.