Women's Soccer Falls to #6 Brandeis

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. -- The sixth-ranked Brandeis University women's soccer team scored a pair of goals in the final 20 minutes of regulation to defeat visiting Bridgewater State University, 2-0, in a non-conference showdown on Tuesday night at Gordon Field.

The host Judges improve to 2-1 on the season, while the Bears fall to 0-3.

Junior Julia Matson (Rockland, Mass.) paced the Brandeis attack with a goal and an assist.

In the 71st minute, Matson had her initial shot saved by BSU senior goalkeeper Lauren DeSousa (Taunton, Mass.). Junior Sasha Sunday (Bethlehem, Pa.), however, was there to knock home the rebound and give the Judges the 1-0 lead.

In the 80th minute, sophomore reserve midfielder Katie Hayes (Eau Clair, Wis.) sent a cross from the left flank that Matson was in perfect position to head inside the right post to the goalie's near side.

Brandeis outshot Bridgewater State, 22-5, for the game. The edge was 10-5 in the first half, although the Bears put four of their five shots on net. The Judges dominated the second stanza, 12-0.

Sophomore Sierra Dana (Lombard, Ill.) made three saves to earn her first career shutout between the pipes for the hosts. Junior Samantha Volpe (Groton, Mass.) cleared a ball off the line in the 18th minute, denying BSU senior Courtney Pepin (Uxbridge, Mass.).

DeSousa had eight saves in the losing effort for the Bears.

The Judges owned a 9-3 edge in corner kicks.

Brandeis goes on the road for the next three games, starting with a noon match at Wentworth on Saturday afternoon. Bridgewater State entertains Plymouth State on Saturday at 5 p.m. The games marks the home opener for the Bears.