The Norwich University women's soccer team picked up its first victory of 2015 with a 2-1 win over Johnson State in the 2015 Norwich Women's Soccer Classic on Sunday afternoon on Sabine Field at Haynes Family Stadium. Despite the loss, Johnson State won the Classic finishing +1, while Norwich was even and Southern Vermont was -1.
Sophomore Ashley Carvalho and freshman Kristen Dukette each scored goals for the Cadets as they led 2-0 at halftime and then held on for the one-goal win.
Freshman goalkeeper Brooke Dewyea made six saves to pick up the victory in her first career start for Norwich.
Johnson State sophomore Kylie Aither scored in the 80th minute to cut the deficit to one, however despite a frantic effort over the final 10 minutes, the Badgers (1-2-0, 0-0-0 NAC) were unable to find the equalizer.
Johnson State controlled the opening 20 minutes, putting a couple of good looks on the net, including two quick back-to-back chances by Casey Hutchinson that Dewyea turned aside.
Norwich (1-2-0, 0-0-0 GNAC) took the lead in the 26th minute with Carvalho scoring on a free kick from 25 yards out. Carvalho struck the ball with her left foot and the ball deflected off the cross bar and down into the net past the outstretched arms of Johnson State goalkeeper Nichole Weeks.
The Cadets added to their lead in the 42nd minute with Dukette gathering her own rebound after Weeks made an initial save and burying the ball into the back of the net for her first collegiate goal.
Johnson State turned up the pressure in the second half, outshooting Norwich 10-4. The Badgers cut the deficit to one with Aither's second goal of the weekend after she side volleyed a shot that beat Dewyea but deflected off a NU defender and then back into Dewyea before bouncing into the back of the net.
Weeks made three saves for the Badgers to fall to 1-2 on the season.
Norwich will return to action on Wednesday, Sept. 9 when it travels to Green Mountain College for a 4 p.m. kickoff while Johnson will host SUNY Plattsburgh at home on Wednesday at 4:00p.