New England Soccer Today

Mewis’ Stoppage Time Strike Seals Win

Photo credit: Chris Aduama/aduamaphotography.com

Photo credit: Chris Aduama/aduamaphotography.com

Kristie Mewis scored in the 93rd minute to send the Breakers to a 1-0 victory over Portland Thorns FC on Saturday at Soldiers Field Soccer Stadium in Cambridge, Mass.

Mewis delivered the game-winner after Maddy Evans hunted down a pass into the Portland end, but before she put on a foot in it, she and Thorns keeper Michelle Betos collided. The ball squired to Mewis, who tapped it through in front of 2,669 fans.

“I cant say enough about (Mewis),” Breakers coach Tom Durkin said in a team release. “To see that thing ripple down in the back of the net, we were over the moon.”

The last-gasp strike was Mewis’ first of the season, and it helped the Breakers snap a two-game losing streak.

Jami Kranich, who’s taken the spot between the sticks after Alyssa Naeher was called up by the U.S. for the World Cup, made three saves to pick up the first clean sheet of her pro career.

Although Mewis came through late, the Boston College alumnus found a couple of opportunities to put the Breakers ahead early.

In the 20th minute, she headed a cross from Molly Pathman that was cleared away at the last moment by Emily Menges. Sixteen minutes later, Mewis blasted a shot from 20 yards that smacked the crossbar.

Meanwhile, the Thorns nearly spoiled occasion for the Breakers when Ayo Añonma fired a tight-angled shot that was bound for the back of the net before Kranich slapped it away just in the nick of time.

The second half was a relatively quiet affair until Mewis found herself at the right place at the right time in the 93rd minute.

“I thought (we) did a really good job,” Durkin said. “These games are important to us because it’s really a chance for our team to grow and play together while other teams aren’t at full strength, which is going to give us confidence.”

The Breakers return to action on Friday when they host Sky Blue FC at Soldiers Field Soccer Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:00pm.

Leave a Reply