WORCESTER, Mass. – Sophomore Imani Salazar netted the game-winning goal in the 79th minute to lift Clark women's soccer (5-4-0, 1-1-0 NEWMAC) past cross-town rival WPI (7-4, 1-2 NEWMAC) on Saturday afternoon from Alumni Stadium.

Coach Smith's Thoughts

"I'm glad to get the three points," said head coach Brienne Smith following the win. "WPI had the run of play in the first half. We made some adjustments at halftime and were able to keep possession better. Ultimately a great ball from Mia and a composed finish from Imani was enough. The back line had a great second half and the team was able to grit it out."

How it Happened

• Senior Morgan Small recorded a pair of early saves to keep the score tied as the Engineers controlled the pace early.
• WPI's Ashleigh Matsis hit the crossbar in the 36th minute and Small came up with another save on a shot from Meredith Eddy as the match was tied 0-0 after 45 minutes of play.
• The Cougars offense came out more aggressive early Salazar and graduate student Sarah Berube fired shots on goal in the 65th and 68th minutes that were saved by Lauren Paul.
• Salazar then gave the Cougars the lead in the 79th minute when senior Mia Advocate found Salazar on a nice pass and Salazar put the ball into the back of the net to give Clark a 1-0 lead.
• Clark's backline held the Engineers without a shot on goal over the final 34 minutes of action and Advocate nearly doubled the lead in the 88th minute, but the shot was saved as the Cougars won 1-0.

Inside the Box Score

• The Cougars attempted five shots, with four heading on goal in the match.
• Small recorded four saves and posted her third shutout of the season.
• Salazar's goal was her fourth of the year.
• Advocate tallied her fourth assist of the season.

What's Next

Clark will return to the pitch on Wednesday when they welcome Wellesley to Granger Field starting at 7:00 p.m.