HAVERFORD, Pa. — The Haverford College women's soccer team (6-7-3) edged Salisbury (4-10-4) in a thrilling 3-2 victory on Tuesday afternoon at Walton Field.
After conceding an early goal, the Fords stormed back with three unanswered tallies to seize control. Though Salisbury pulled one back late, a dramatic goal-line clearance by first-year Mayah Simon in the final minute secured the Scarlet and Black's final non-conference win of the season.
The Sea Gulls wasted no time finding the scoresheet, as Ashley Pantano converted a through ball from Ava Wheeler in the opening minute to give the visitors a 1-0 lead. Haverford responded just before halftime when Sophia Mitchell netted the equalizer in the 44th minute. After Olivia D'Aulerio drew a foul near the box, Emma Kirk delivered a pinpoint free kick toward the back post, where Mitchell leapt and redirected it into the net with her knee to make it 1-1 heading into the break.
The Fords struck again just moments into the second half. First-year Devyn Telleen notched her first career goal in the 46th minute, volleying home a sharp cross from Clare Hawley to put Haverford in front 2-1. Telleen doubled her tally in the 62nd minute, cleaning up a loose ball in the box after an Emma Murray pass to extend the lead to 3-1.
Salisbury's Pantano struck again in the 86th minute, this time assisted by Olivia Pasko, to trim the deficit to one. The Sea Gulls pushed hard for an equalizer in the final moments, and nearly found it when Skylar Williams slipped in behind the defense. Williams squared the ball to Pantano, but a miscontrol allowed Simon to step in and clear the ball off the line — sealing the victory for the Scarlet and Black.
Telleen led the Fords with two goals on four shots, including the game-winner. Mitchell added a goal on her lone attempt, while Kirk and Murray each tallied assists.
Pantano was the standout for Salisbury, scoring twice on five shots, while Wheeler and Pasko each provided assists. In goal, Sydney Kinzeler recorded four saves for the Sea Gulls.
The Fords will return to Centennial Conference play on Saturday, October 25, traveling to Lancaster, Pa., to face Franklin & Marshall. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m at Tylus Field.
