Fueled Up

Photo: Cindy Russell Photography

Franklin, Mass. - The Tide showcased their talent in their second game of the United Women's Soccer League (UWS) season, defeating Worcester Fuel FC 6-0 in an away match at Dean College.


SUMMARY

The Tide controlled the match from the outset, creating numerous scoring opportunities. Despite a strong effort from Worcester's goalkeeper Liliana Mantoni, who made 19 saves, the Tide broke through late in the first half with a header from Anae Malbete. In the second half, Anna Rayhill, Logan Nicholson, Jasmine Leshnick, and Kaleigh Quinn added goals, with Rayhill and Malbete contributing multiple assists. The Tide's relentless offense secured their first win of the season.


HOW IT HAPPENED

Worcester Fuel started the match with a good look in the 14th minute with a shot chipped up but tapped away by the Tide’s #25 Sally Rainy. The first goal of the match came late in the first half after #19 Anna Rayhill was fouled just outside the 18-yard box. The free kick that followed, taken by #4 Logan Nicholson, was on target but saved by Worcester Fuel's keeper #0 Liliana Mantoni, hitting the crossbar and bouncing back into the box. #24 Anae Malbete capitalized on the rebound with a header, netting the first goal for the Tide in the 46th minute of the first half.

The second half saw Maine Footy increasing their lead. #19 Anna Rayhill chipped in a goal off a pass from Anae Malbete from inside the box in the 58th minute. Just three minutes later, Logan Nicholson struck the ball from well outside the box for a goal assisted by Anna Rayhill, finding the top left corner and making it 3-0.

The Tide's fourth goal came in the 73rd minute when #23 Willa Pratt delivered a precise cross from the right, allowing #19 Anna Rayhill to chip in a goal past Mantoni. Willa Pratt was playmaker again in the 75th minute, delivering another cross from the left into the box that found #16 Jasmine Leshnick. The Harvard freshman beat the Fuel's goalkeeper to the ball, touching it in for the Tide's fifth goal.

The final goal came in the 85th minute, with a corner from the left side serviced by Anae Malbete which was punched away by Mantoni finding left foot of #3 Kaleigh Quinn who volleyed it in.

Despite the scoreline, Worcester's goalkeeper Liliana Mantoni put on a very strong performance throughout the match, tallying 19 saves off of 25 shots on goal.

Maine Footy will look to build off of this win in their next game, a rematch against Worcester Fuel FC. This time, the Tide will have the home advantage for their home opener on June 1st at 7:00 PM at Memorial Stadium in Portland, ME.