Mottershead Leads Orange by Seton Hall

Friday, September 28

Syracuse, N.Y.

7 p.m.

Syracuse University

6-4-2, 3-1-1

Seton Hall

6-7-0, 1-4

Seton Hall

Syracuse

Alyscha Mottershead is tied for the team lead in scoring with eight points.

Photo by: Michael J. Okoniewski

9/28/2012 10:24:00 PM | Women's Soccer

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Senior Alyscha Mottershead recorded a goal and an assist to lead the Syracuse women's soccer team to a 3-1 victory against Seton Hall on Friday, Sept. 28 at the SU Soccer Stadium. The Orange, which has won two consecutive games, is now 6-4-2 overall, 3-1-1 in the BIG EAST. The Pirates go to 6-7-0 overall, 1-4 in league play.

"I told our team this was a must win," said Syracuse head coach Phil Wheddon. "We were at home, we had a big crowd, the stadium looked great. This was a must win, as is Sunday (against Rutgers). I didn't think we played our brand of soccer in the first half, although we still created a lot of opportunities. The second half was much better. I'm really happy we came away with a win tonight."

Mottershead sparked the Orange offense in the first half. In the 23rd minute, she served the ball into the box from the right side to senior Jenna Rickan. Rickan headed the ball into the left corner of the goal to give Syracuse a 1-0 lead.

Seton Hall evened the score in the 31st minute when Kaitlyn Ritter found the top left corner of the goal on her shot from the right side for her first goal of the season. Mottershead gave the Orange the lead for good in the 37th minute. Freshman Erin Simon served the ball into the box to Mottershead. Her first shot was stopped by Pirates' goalkeeper Alyssa Kelly. Kelly couldn't control the ball, and Mottershead gathered the rebound and found the back of the net for her third goal of the year.

The Orange added an insurance goal in the second half. Simon again played the ball into the box to freshman Jackie Firenze, who was stationed at the near post. She converted her scoring opportunity to give SU a two-goal advantage.

Syracuse was the more dangerous team the entire game, recording 14 shots and three corner kicks. The Orange's defense limited Seton Hall to just three shots and three corner kicks. SU goalkeeper Brittany Anghel had one save, while Kelly and Gina Maiorana combined for five saves.

The Orange continues its homestand on Sunday when it hosts Rutgers at 1 p.m. at the SU Soccer Stadium. There is no admission charge.