Richardson collects 14 saves in season opening 1-0 loss to Nichols
North Adams, MA- The visiting Nichols College women's soccer team received a goal from Meghan Dunn in the 58th minute to lift the Bison to a 1-0 win over the MCLA Trailblazers this evening at Shewcraft Field. The match marked the season opener for the Bison (1-0). MCLA is now 0-1 on the season.
Both teams had quality chances in the opening half, but some stellar defensive play kept the game scoreless at the break. Nichols finally potted the game winner from Dunn in the 58th minute. She would take a feed from Melody Millett and shoot one towards the upper left corner that got past the outstretched arms of MCLA's Megan Richardson for a 1-0 advantage.
From there, MCLA couldn't generate much offense. They finally caught a break in the final minutes when Natalia Gerena intercepted a pass and went in one on one. She was eventually tracked down from behind however and Nichols keeper Olivia Marcantonio corralled the ball and the Bison would run out the final minute of play to preserve the win.
Nichols owned a decided 29-5 shot advantage on the evening as Dunn accounted for 12 shot attempts to pace the offense. Marcantonio would stop just three shots, but she collected her first shutout of the season.
Richardson was outstanding for MCLA opening her senior season with 14 saves.
The Trailblazers are back in action on Wednesday when they host St. Joseph (CT) at 5pm.