The University of Rochester women's soccer team extended its shutout streak, and its winning streak, to four games after a 2-0 win over visiting Nazareth College on Tuesday night.
The Yellowjackets received two goals from sophomore forward Ellen Coleman, her 6th and 7th of the season. Goalie Celeste Hornbach (3 saves) and the rest of the Yellowjacket defense held on for the shutout. It was Hornbach's third solo shutout of the season.
Coleman's first goal came quickly- 56 seconds into the game. Coleman sent teammate Bridgette Varin towards the right post with a well timed lead pass. Varin returned a low cross on the ground past two Nazareth defenders back to Coleman, who tucked the ball past Nazareth goalie Hillary Simon for a 1-0 lead.
While that score would stand for the rest of the half, Rochester had a number of opportunities to increase the lead. Minutes after Coleman's goal, Bridgette Varin ripped a half volley from outside the box that forced Simon to make a diving save. Midfielder Kirsten Ross sent a long shot towards the goal in the 22nd minute that resulted in another diving save from Simon. She would finish the game with five.
With just under ten minutes to play in the second half and Rochester clinging to a 1-0 lead, Brittany Huber played a long ball towards the Nazareth box. The ball was slowed by a Nazareth defender, giving Coleman the opportunity to run underneath it. As Simon came out to cut down the angle, the sophomore forward lifted the ball over her head and into the back of the net.
With the win, Rochester improves to 7-1-2 overall. Varin's assist was her fourth of the season while Huber tallied her first. Next, the Yellowjackets will travel to Brandeis to take on the Judges on October 10th at 7:30 pm. It will be the first of three consecutive UAA conference matchups.
