Junior goalkeeper Marisa Viola makes seven saves.
Stony Brook, N.Y. - Caitlin Meadows' goal in the ninth minute proved to be the difference as the Long Island University Blackbirds defeated the Stony Brook women's soccer team, 1-0, in the 2008 season opener for both teams on Friday afternoon at LaValle Stadium. Stony Brook falls to 0-1-0 with the loss while LIU improves to 1-0-0.
Meadows took a pass from Kayleigh Morgan at the top of the 18-yard box and then struck the ball into the lower right corner to give LIU the lead just 8:24 into the game. The teams played evenly the rest of the half and LIU went into the break still leading 1-0.
The Blackbirds nearly scored again in the opening minutes of the second half as Meadows launched a shot from 20 yards out that Viola just tipped over the crossbar. Meadows then corralled the ball in the penalty area on the ensuing corner kick but her shot struck the right post.
Stony Brook's best scoring chance came in the 69th minute as senior Brooke Barbuto (Syracuse, N.Y.) dribbled down the left sideline and then sidestepped Long Island keeper Amy Johnson at the corner of the 18-yard box but Johnson was able to recover and deflect Barbuto's shot attempt. The ball deflected back to Barbuto who then struck the ball just wide of the net.
SBU outshot LIU 16-14 for the game including 13-7 in the second half. Junior goalkeeper Marisa Viola (Cutchogue, N.Y.) made seven saves for the Seawolves while Johnson, who entered the game to start the second half, made six stops for LIU. Christine DeLashmutt faced three Stony Brook shots in the first half but did not have to make a save.
Stony Brook returns to action on Thursday, Aug. 28, traveling to take on Iona. Game time is set for 3 p.m.
