The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
St. Bonaventure
Shea O'Brien scores last minute game-winning goal to defeat St. Bonaventure
September 04 | Women's Soccer
Game Stats | Game Stats (PDF)
Follow Akron women's soccer on Twitter and Facebook
AKRON, Ohio – Freshman Shea O'Brien (Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio) scored with less than one minute to play in regulation to give the Akron women's soccer team a 2-1 win over St. Bonaventure to remain undefeated Friday night in St. Bonaventure N.Y.
O'Brien received a pass from junior Sarah Sivic (Broadview Heights, Ohio) as she ran through the mid-field. She continued to push the ball up the field and into the box. O'Brien found herself with an open look and slotted the ball past the keeper on her near right post to give the Zips a 2-1 advantage with 17 seconds to play.
The goal by O'Brien was the first goal of her collegiate career. It took just eight shots before the freshman was able to find the back of the net.
"A solid performance on the night by the team. I felt we dominated possession but our execution in front of the goal could have been better," said Akron head coach Noreen Herlihy. "The biggest positive was when we conceded a goal late in the game we didn't panic. The players immediately went forward in numbers and Shea O'brien, who was superb all night, scored a great game winner"
As a team Akron (3-0-1) put eight shots on goal in 20 attempts. St. Bonaventure (1-2-2) was limited to just four shots with three on goal.
Sivic led the way for the Zips and tallied six shots on the night, senior Holly Ohradzansky (Avon, Ohio) and freshman Rachel Baughman (Alliance, Ohio) added three shots each.
Junior keeper Annabelle Hegeman (Frostburg, Md.) made two saves and now holds a .727 save percentage on the year.
Baughman collected the first shot of the game for both squads at the four minute mark but her shot sailed high over the cross bar.
Junior Karin Norman (Stocksund, Sweden) had the first chance to score for the Zips in the 13' as she sent a shot on goal that was saved by the Bonnies goalie Beth Moore.
Sivic continues to play good soccer as she scored her second goal in as many games at the 24:20 mark to give the Zips a 1-0 advantage. The Bonnies attempted to clear the ball but Sivic stole possession and sent it past the keeper.
At halftime the Zips recorded 10 shots from seven different players with four on goal. The Akron defense put the pressure on St. Bonnaventure as they were held without a shot.
St. Bonaventure's Jessica Scruggs recorded the first shot of the contest for the Bonnies at the 52' mark but Hegeman was able to make the save.
Akron had multiple chances to try increase their lead getting off eight shots in the second half. Baughman had two shots on goal and senior Hannah Werth (Bloomington, Minn.) chipped in with one on goal that were saved by goalie Christina Sarokan who subbed in for the starter in the 52'.
The Bonnies leading scorer Abby Maiello netted the equalizing goal in the 83' minute off a deflection to the Hegeman's right. Maiello's shot was just the third of the match for St. Bonnaventure.
Akron's ten goals to start the year are the most through the first four games in program history.
The Zips are undefeated through the first four games of the year for the first time since the 2008 season.
Akron continue's in the Alumni Classic hosted by St. Bonaventure on Sunday, Sept. 6 against the Cornell Big Red. First kick is set for noon.
