Jackie McCormick's goal lifts Women's Soccer past Monmouth, 1-0
Blackbirds Off to Best Start in Program History

(boxscore)

9/24/04 -- Junior Jackie McCormick (Liverpool, N.Y.) blasted the game-winner in the 76th minute to push Long Island University past Monmouth University, 1-0 in the Northeast Conference women’s soccer opener for both teams. The Blackbirds improve to 4-3, 1-0 while the Hawks fall to 2-5-1, 0-1.

Senior Tiffany Clendenning (Ronkonkoma, N.Y.) began the chain of events, sending a perfect touch into the box from the left side. Sophomore Allison Andreano (Denville, N.J.) headed the ball to teammate Amy Paige (San Jose, Calif.). Monmouth goalkeeper Kim McCarthy, playing the ball, moved to the right of the box to face a host of players. Paige’s header floated backwards, landing directly in front of McCormick who drilled a 15-yard shot into the upper left corner of the net. The goal was McCormick’s team-leading fourth of the season.

Both teams flirted with the other’s respective goalkeepers having numerous chances to score. The Hawks outshot the Blackbirds, 13-10, including a 7-2 advantage in the first stanza.

In the first half, Monmouth’s best opportunity came on an attempt from Kate Sands from 12 yards out in the 36th minute. LIU goalkeeper Stephanie Kansky (Bellevue, Wash.) dove to her right to make the second of her five saves of the game. LIU defenders accounted for two team saves.

The teams combined for seven shots in the first nine minutes of the second half. The Blackbirds saw attempts from Selima Berisha (Bellevue, Wash.) and Christine Gans (Pittsburgh, Pa.) just miss the box before connecting on the game-winner. LIU registered an 8-6 shot advantage in the second half.

The Blackbirds return to action on Sunday, September 26, as they host Mount St. Mary’s at 2:30 p.m. The men’s game with #3 Michigan will precede the contest, beginning at 12:00 as part of a doubleheader.