East Carolina University
Penn
Pirates Fall to Penn On Late Goal By Fuccello
September 17, 2006 | Soccer
Sept. 17, 2006
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GREENVILLE, N.C. - The East Carolina women's soccer team fell to Penn 1-0 in a physical, low-scoring game on Sunday afternoon at Bunting Field. ECU created numerous scoring opportunities but it was the Quakers who were able to break through with a goal off the foot of freshman forward Jessica Fuccello.
The scoreless but spirited first half featured a combined 10 fouls as both teams tried to force its style of play. The Lady Pirates out-shot Penn 7-0 in the half but could not put the ball past Quaker goalkeeper Cailly Carroll. ECU's best scoring chance occurred in the 41st minute when Sarah Kirkley blistered a shot off the crossbar.
The second half featured more physical play as both squads pushed for the go-ahead goal. The Lady Pirates (4-4-0) thought they had a goal in the 65th minute when Amy Szilard took a pass from Kirkley and beat the goalkeeper but was denied by the right post. Carroll was able to cover the ball in the ensuing scramble around the net.
The game seemed headed to overtime but Penn (4-0-1) made sure the match would end in regulation. At 81:58 Jessica Fuccello was the beneficiary of a free ball in the box. Ellen Gregory slotted a nice through-ball past ECU keeper Amber Campbell allowing Fuccello to slot the ball into the far right corner of the net. After the goal, the Lady Pirates did not threaten Penn again.
"This was a tough weekend for us as we played two very skilled teams," said head coach Rob Donnenwirth. "As a team we are still learning to win but I would like to give our defense and midfield credit, especially Rachel Hills and Madison Keller. "
East Carolina will play two road games this coming weekend at Furman and Francis Marion before beginning Conference USA play at Memphis on Sept. 29.
