WEST HARTFORD, Conn. —The Hartford women's soccer team clawed back from two early deficits, but was unable to come out on top as visiting Sacred Heart took a 3-2 decision in double overtime on Thursday. Michelle Clarkin, who had a hand in each of the Pioneers' first two first-half scores, ended the back-and-forth battle between the two in-state foes in the 107th minute with her second goal of the evening.
The Hawks drop to 2-2-1, while Sacred Heart improves to 2-2-1.
SACRED HEART 3, HARTFORD 2 (2ot)
After Clarkin got Sacred Heart on the scoreboard in the 19th minute, the Hawks wasted no time to answer. Just 39 seconds later, senior
Sam Nelbach made it a new game when she put the finishing touches on an assist from classmate
Sierra Stone. But the Pioneers would take a one-goal edge into the break, as Madison Stahelski found the back of the net in the 34th minute.
The Hawks would claw back to tie up the match one more time. Senior
Kaila Lozada drew a foul inside the box, and classmate
Anna Cronin buried the penalty kick to make it a 2-2 game.
Hartford, which finished with a 7-1 shot advantage in the second half, continued to apply the pressure and threatened twice inside the final 93 seconds of regulation. The Hawks came up empty, though, as both shots were turned away by Sacred Heart keeper Elyssa Kipperman, including a header by senior
Bridgette Alexander off a corner kick.
Overtime belonged to Sacred Heart, as Perez was forced to make two big saves midway through the first session to preserve the tie. Six minutes into the final overtime period, Clarkin slotted home the game-winner on a feed by Meadow Mancini.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE & HARTFORD NOTES
- Hartford has faced overtime in each of its last three matches, and double overtime in its last two
- Cronin's successful penalty kick marked the defender's first career goal
- Leading the Hawks with four shots, including three on goal, Nelbach improved her season goal total to two, marking a career high
- Hartford held a 15-12 advantage in shots, but Sacred Heart benefited from a combined 4-0 effort in overtime
- Perez finished with four saves, while Elyssa Kipperman made a game-best six stops for the Pioneers
NEXT ON TAP
The Hawks hit the road for their next two contests, beginning with a short drive to Hamden, Conn., to take on another in-state opponent in Quinnipiac on Sunday. Game time is slated for 1 p.m.
For more information on the Hartford women's soccer team, stay with HartfordHawks.com for updates and follow the team on social media (
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