New Hampshire Survives Seven-Goal Thriller Against Merrimack
Wildcats Rally From Early Second-Half Deficit to Edge Warriors 4-3 in High-Scoring Affair
DURHAM, NH – In one of the most captivating displays of attacking soccer this season, New Hampshire outlasted Merrimack 4-3 in a pulsating encounter that featured six goals in a frenzied 33-minute second-half stretch at Wildcat Stadium.
Elizabeth Finn broke the deadlock for the Wildcats just before halftime, converting a well-worked move assisted by Abby Beasley in the 40th minute. The midfielder's clinical finish capped off a dominant first-half performance where New Hampshire controlled possession and created numerous scoring opportunities, with Finn registering seven shots and five on target throughout the match.
The second half exploded into life when Kyra Whitman restored parity for the Warriors in the 56th minute, tucking away an unassisted effort that energized the visiting side. Whitman proved to be Merrimack's most potent attacking threat, unleashing six shots and testing both New Hampshire goalkeepers with her relentless pressure.
However, the Wildcats' response was swift and devastating. In a remarkable two-goal blitz spanning just 35 seconds, New Hampshire seized control of the match. Brooke Pearson rifled home the go-ahead goal in the 65th minute, benefiting from excellent build-up play by Shya Walker and Natalie Zibinskas. Before Merrimack could regroup, Walker doubled the advantage with a composed finish, converting Amber Clarke's precise assist.
The Warriors refused to surrender, mounting a spirited comeback attempt. Kylie Fuller pulled one back for the visitors in the 77th minute, slotting home her second goal of the campaign to narrow the deficit. The midfielder's five shots and three on target demonstrated her attacking intent throughout the afternoon.
Just as momentum appeared to shift toward Merrimack, Clarke delivered the decisive blow for New Hampshire. The substitute forward curled home a magnificent strike just 30 seconds after Fuller's goal, with Chloe DeLyser and Beasley providing the assists. Clarke's impact off the bench proved crucial, as she contributed six shots and two on target despite limited minutes.
Taylor Pedra's late consolation goal in the 89th minute set up a nervy finish, but New Hampshire held firm to secure the victory. The midfielder's strike capped off a remarkable individual performance that saw her play the full 90 minutes and pick up a yellow card for her commitment.
The tactical battle between the coaching staffs was evident in the extensive use of substitutions, with both teams making multiple changes to maintain intensity. New Hampshire's depth proved decisive, as goalkeeper Caroline Cohen replaced Sonja Zeepvat at halftime and stood tall when called upon, making four crucial saves to preserve the victory.
Merrimack goalkeeper Kaitlyn Brewi was kept busy throughout, making six saves as the Wildcats generated 24 shots. The defensive midfielder combination of Fuller and Pedra provided creativity in the final third, but the Warriors' attacking efforts ultimately fell short despite their impressive shot tally of 24 attempts.
The match statistics reflected the end-to-end nature of the contest, with both teams registering identical shot totals but New Hampshire edging the shots on goal count 12-13. The Wildcats' clinical finishing in crucial moments proved the difference in a match that showcased the attacking talent on both rosters.
Key Players
- Elizabeth Finn (New Hampshire) - Dominated the midfield with seven shots, five on target, and the opening goal that set the tone - Kyra Whitman (Merrimack) - Led the Warriors' attacking charge with six shots, three on target, and the equalizing goal - Amber Clarke (New Hampshire) - Provided the decisive moment with her late goal and constant threat with six shots off the bench