Hanson, Troutman Lift Women's Soccer to 2-0 Victory over Rider

(boxscore)

8/31/06 -- Freshman Aly Hanson (New Milford, N.J.) tallied her second goal of the season in the 36th minute to lead Long Island University (1-2) to its first victory, a 2-0 shutout of Rider, at LIU Field on Thursday evening.

Junior Caley Troutman (South Park, Pa.) also found the back of the net for the Blackbirds, who extended their home unbeaten streak to 18 games (17-0-1).

Rider controlled play and had the first scoring opportunity of the game in the 15th minute. Tara Morris took a shot just outside the 18-yard box but senior goalkeeper Stephanie Kansky (Bellevue, Wash.) made a diving stop to keep the game scoreless. Kansky turned back five Broncs shots en route to her 15th career shutout.

A corner kick set up LIU’s first goal of the game. Sophomore Christina O’Connor (Venetia, Pa.) booted her corner to the far end of the box. After a Rider defender popped the ball high up into the air, senior Allison Andreano (Denville, N.J.) saw her shot ricochet off of another Bronc and right to Hanson in front of the net. The assist gives Andreano, a second team All-NEC selection a year ago, 15 assists for her career and ties her for first on the all-time LIU list.

LIU controlled most of the second stanza and got an insurance goal six minutes in. A cross by senior Christine Gans (Pittsburgh, Pa.) from midfield found Troutman at the 20-yard mark. Troutman’s shot found the lower left corner of the goal for her first career score.

The Blackbirds outshot Rider 15-10, with Morris notching five for the visitors. Senior Selima Berisha (Bellevue, Wash.) also had five shots for LIU.

The women’s soccer team continues its season on the road on Sunday, Sept. 3 in a non-conference match against Columbia. The game is scheduled for a 4:00 p.m. start.