RECAP: VERMONT FUSION, NEW YORK SHOCKERS DRAW 0-0

Written By:  Tyler Lewin  | WPSL Correspondent

After a 4-0 win by the Vermont Fusion in the first meeting between the two sides, the New York Shockers held the Fusion to a 0-0 draw to take a point back home.
 

Applejack Stadium was filled with spectators as the community came out to support the Fusion on the club’s Pride Night, held in support of members of the LGBTQ+ community.  Off the back of a 0-0 draw against conference leaders Clarkstown Soccer Club, Vermont was eager to make amends and get back to winning ways. 
 

The Fusion had the first major chance of the match in the 13^th minute.  With the ball lofted in front the left-hand side of the pitch by Grace Pinkus (University of Massachusetts), it dropped to the feet of Kiah Pieters (University of South Dakota) who struck it on the half volley and hit the far post to miss the back of the net by inches. 
 

As the first half came to an end, there would be one more opportunity for the Fusion.  Blessing Kingsley (University of Southern Mississippi) stripped the ball from the feet of Shockers defender Mia Van Dyke (Sienna College) in the opponent’s half.  Streaking down the field into the box, Kingsley thought she was in one on one. However, Van Dyke made an impressive recovery back, timing her slide tackle to perfection just as Kingsley went to shoot to end the attacking threat.
 

The second half started with aggression and action, as the first yellow card of the match was awarded to Fusion goalkeeper Erin Murphy (University of Vermont) in the 51^st minute.  Nour Noujaim (Coker University) attempted to play a back pass to Murphy but did not put enough pace on the ball. Murphy ran off her line, attempting to make a play on the ball, and tackled Shocker’s forward Eowyn Lapp (Gordon College).  Subsequently, it would be Lapp to receive the next card of the game, in the 67^th minute, for her tackle on Erika Haugen (Biola University).
 

As the Fusion and the Shockers continued to push for the winning goal, neither team was able to create any solid attacking chances. With the 0-0 draws of both conference matches today, the table remains unchanged.  Clarkstown Soccer Club remains in first with the Fusion trailing by two points, but in second place ahead of the Rhode Island rogues due to goal differential. Meanwhile, the Shockers will remain in fourth place.
 

The New York Shockers will stay on the road, facing off against Clarkstown Soccer Club at 3 PM on Saturday, June 24^th.  Vermont will host Force FC New York at 6 PM on Sunday, June 25^th.