Alvarez notches second-half goal to lead Wheaton past Roger Williams, 1-0

August 29, 2008

BRISTOL, RI- Sophomore Melida Alvarez's (Saugus, MA/Buckingham Browne & Nichols) 55th-minute goal stood up as the game-winner Friday afternoon, as the nationally-ranked Wheaton College women's soccer team opened its 2008 campaign with a 1-0 victory over host Roger Williams University at Bayside Field.

Ranked 12th in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) preseason poll, the Lyons extended their regular season unbeaten streak to 35 games, one shy of matching the program record.

In the opening half, Wheaton held advantages of 12-3 in shots and 3-1 in corner kicks but came away empty.

Just over nine minutes into the second frame, Wheaton gained possession at midfield and junior co-captain Rosie Levy (Torrance, CA/Chadwick School) sent a through ball to Alvarez, who found herself on a breakaway with Hawk junior keeper Jen Garside (Londonderry, NH/Londonderry). Garside came off her line to challenge the Lyon forward, but Alvarez escaped the pressure and found the back of the net.

The Blue and White had chances to expand its lead but was unable to capitalize on nine second-half shots and three corner kicks.

Freshman goalie Lindsay Leddy (Warwick, RI/Wheeler School) collected her first collegiate win and shutout after turning aside two of six shots, while Garside notched eight saves, including seven in the first half.

Wheaton opens its home slate on Sunday against Saint Joseph's College of Maine at Mirrione Stadium at 1:00 p.m. It will mark the first meeting between the teams.

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