Gurnee, Knutson Lead Women's Soccer over St. John's, 2-0

Sunday, September 14

Hanover, N.H.

1:00 PM

Dartmouth College

St. John's

Gurnee, Knutson Lead Women's Soccer over St. John's, 2-0

9/14/2014 3:19:00 PM | Women's Soccer

By: Dartmouth

HANOVER, N.H. – Sophomore Meredith Gurnee and freshman Lindsay Knutson scored 30 minutes apart to propel the Dartmouth women's soccer team to its first win of the season, 2-0, against St. John's at Burnham Field on Sunday.

The win gives Ron Rainey his first win as head coach of the Big Green and the program's first-ever victory over the Red Storm. "It was a beautiful day in Hanover. We limited chances and had a lot of great opportunities at goal. It was a fun game," Rainey said.

The Big Green defense was the star of the game by not allowing the Red Storm a single shot over 90 minutes. Last season, Dartmouth did not allow Fordham an offensive opportunity in its home opener – a 4-0 win.

"We played a strong defensive game and limited Rachel Daly's chances. Even though we did not man mark her, I felt that our back line – Jackie Friedman, Brittany Champagne, Kendall Kraus, Hayley Snyder and Kate Castillo – did a tremendous job keeping them away from the 18-yard box," Rainey commented.

Neither team controlled play until the 37-minute mark, when junior Corey Delaney sent a one-timer pass to Gurnee for her first goal of the season. Delaney dribbled around a few St. John defenders inside the 18-yard box and her off target shot was followed though by Gurnee for the tally.

Dartmouth outshot St. John's, 4-0, in the half and held a, 3-0, edge in corner kicks.

The Big Green kept the attack going into the second half and increased its lead in the 67th minute off a free kick by junior Jackie Freidman. The Dartmouth defender sent her kick to the back post that was then tapped in by Knutson for her first collegiate goal.

"Jackie did a fine job on long restarts. I think Lindsay did her job to get open for the shot." Rainey said.

Dartmouth finished the game with a 12-0 advantage in shots. Senior Tatiana Saunders did not record a save but did pick up her 13th career shutout. St. John's keeper Diana Poulin made three saves on the afternoon.

"This is an important week for our student-athletes. With classes beginning tomorrow, I feel that short, simple and intense practices will help them transition," Rainey said.

The Big Green will remain at home and will host Northeastern on Friday evening at 5 p.m.