Meg Ryan Scores Golden Goal in Overtime

Friday, September 29

Amherst, Mass.

3:00 p.m.

Syracuse University

Massachusetts

Senior forward Meg Ryan (Lancaster, Pa.) scored the game-winning goals at Massachusetts on September 29. It was her first game-winning goal of the season, second of her four-year career.

9/29/2006 5:31:29 PM | Field Hockey

Box Score

AMHERST, Mass. – Senior forward Meg Ryan (Lancaster, Pa.) scored the golden goal just four minutes into the overtime period as the Syracuse University field hockey team defeated Massachusetts, 1-0, in overtime on Friday afternoon at Garber Field. SU’s win ends a four-game losing skid and improves the Orange to 5-6, while the Minutewomen move to 3-8.

“We were having problems with our zone in the first half, but made some great adjustments after halftime.” SU head coach Kathleen Parker said. “Our defensive pressure after the intermission was the difference in the game. It limited their chances and really got our counter attack going.”

Ryan picked off a Minutewomen pass deep in the zone and put the ball past UMass goalkeeper Sarah Williams.

Syracuse dominated the game, outshooting the Minutewomen, 15-5. Nine of SU’s 15 shots were on cage. UMass was unable to get a shot on cage.

The Minutewomen recorded three shots to the Orange’s one during a scoreless first-half, but it was sophomore forward Alison Babbitt (Spencer, N.Y.) who had the best scoring opportunity with her shot on cage at the 20:35 mark.

The Orange pressure continued early in the second half on a penalty corner at the 43:46 mark. Senior back Michelle Sola (Blandon, Pa.) shot from the point was saved. Ryan had two chances after the rebound, but both were saved by Williams.

SU’s next scoring opportunity came at the 55:47 mark. Babbitt’s two shots were blocked, but Ryan’s shot was again saved by Williams.

The Orange got two more shots on goal in the game’s last minute, but was unable to get one past Williams as the game went into overtime.

Sophomore goalkeeper Heather Hess (Lititz, Pa.) did not have to make a save for SU. Williams recorded nine saves for the Minutewomen.

Up next, the Orange return home to host BIG EAST rival Georgetown on Sunday, October 1 at 1 p.m.