Villanueva’s PK Gives Massasoit CC 1-0 Win In OT

BROCKTON, Mass. ---- Freshman Stephanie Villanueva (Whitman, Mass.) buried a penalty kick in the final 10 seconds of overtime to send the Massasoit CC women's soccer team home with a 1-0 victory against Springfield Tech on Wednesday.

The Warriors, which have won three consecutive meetings against the Rams improved to 1-0 on the young season. STCC dropped to 0-1.

Villanueva had played sweeper throughout regulation, but head coach Ruben Teixeira moved the Whitman, Mass., native up to forward in overtime. The position change proved to be the right move as she was taken down in the box in the game's final minute of overtime and ended the night by connecting on her penalty kick attempt for the game winner.

"The coaches and I decided to take a gamble and move Stephanie (Villanueva) up and it paid off for us," Teixeira said. "You are going to win some and lose some and luck was on our side as it worked on our end as she got the PK and won the game for us."

Prior to overtime, neither team could find the back of the net through regulation as Massasoit goalie Kristen Reardon (Weymouth, Mass.) and STCC keeper Ashley Barber matched each other save for save.

In the second half, the Rams had several scoring opportunities, including hitting the post twice and having a potential go-ahead goal called off due to an offside's penalty in the 80^th minute.

Reardon, a sophomore, posted her third career clean sheet, finishing the afternoon with seven saves, including a clutch outstretched stop in the second half.

"Kristen was awesome back in the net for us and made a great save late in the second half when (STCC) almost scored," Teixeira said. "She was on top of things and communicated with the defense all day."

The Warriors had opportunities of their own, firing 17 total shots, including a team-high seven from freshman Zhandali Fontes (Taunon, Mass.).  STCC finished with 14 total team shots.

"It was a very tough, physical and difficult game for us today," Teixeira said. "Both teams wanted to start the season with a win and we battled all afternoon through injuries. My team showed a lot of heart and passion today to get the win and I couldn't be more proud of the team. It was a great way to start the season."

Massasoit is off until Wednesday, Sept. 11, when it hosts Bristol CC at 4 p.m.