Blackbirds Win Third Straight, Defeat St. Francis (Pa.), 2-1

(boxscore)

10/09/05 -- Junior Christine Gans (Pittsburgh, Pa.) headed in the game-winner in the 75th minute as the Long Island University women’s soccer team held off a furious comeback effort by St. Francis (Pa.) for its third straight victory, 2-1. The Blackbirds improved their mark to 8-5-0, and 3-1 in Northeast Conference play. St. Francis falls to 9-5-1, 3-1 NEC.

Clinging to a late lead, LIU dodged a series of attempts by the Red Flash to tie the game. With under a minute remaining, a throw-in by St. Francis led to a scramble in front of the Blackbird net. The LIU defense, which was strong all day, withstood the flurry and was able to hang on for the victory. The win extended the Blackbirds home unbeaten streak to six games.

Freshman Christina O’Connor (Venetia, Pa.) did not waste any time in giving the Blackbirds an advantage early. Less than a minute into the first half, senior Jackie McCormick (Liverpool, N.Y.) played the ball back to her twin sister Meghann McCormick (Liverpool, N.Y.) just outside the box on the left side. McCormick made a cross to a wide-open O’Connor, who found the back of the net for her second goal in as many games.

The Blackbirds had another great opportunity to tack on to their lead in the 31st minute. J. McCormick found Selima Berisha (Bellevue, Wash.) streaking down the right sideline. Berisha then made a cross to freshman Ashley Brown who fired a shot from six yards outside the goal. St. Francis (Pa.) goalkeeper Melanie Stockman made a spectacular save and denied a rebound attempt, keeping the LIU lead at one.

After over 70 minutes of scoreless soccer, a high, looping cross from junior Allison Andreano (Denville, N.J.) found Gans for the game-winner. It was Gans’ first goal of the season and put the Blackbirds on top, 2-0.

St. Francis (PA) stormed back with a goal from senior Meghan Pearson in the 84th minute. Pearson’s shot came just outside the box through traffic to cut the Red Flash deficit in half.

Junior Stephanie Kansky (Bellevue, Wash.) recorded her third victory of the season in goal, tallying two saves.

The Blackbirds return to action on Friday, Oct. 14 for a 3:00 p.m. contest at Monmouth..