Mutiny Open With 4-0 Win

Beat New York in WPSL Action

May 9, 2008

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. – In front of a sellout crowd of 1,252 at Northampton High School, the New England Mutiny began defense of their Eastern Conference championship in the Women’s Premier Soccer League with a 4-0 victory over New York AC.

Mary-Frances Monroe scored a hat trick to lead the charge and spoil the homecoming of Northampton’s own Mary McVeigh, a defender for New York.

Monroe opened the scoring in the 22nd minute off a free kick that nestled in the top left corner of the goal from 25 yards away which New York goalkeeper Melissa Cohen had no chance to stop.

Just before halftime, the Mutiny’s co-captain would make it 2-0 after executing another free kick. This time Monroe would strike it to the lower right of Cohen.

Monroe completed the hat trick in the 58th minute tipping in a shot from midfielder Erin Clark. In between Monroe’s tallies, the Mutiny would benefit from an own goal after Clark crossed the ball towards an onrushing Erin Gatto. The ball glanced off a New York defender and into the net.

“We got off to a slow start, but finally came together as the game went on. It was a total team effort in the second half,” said Monroe. “The crowd tonight was awesome. As players we couldn’t have asked for more.”

Lauren Luckey, starting in place of Stephanie Labbe who was absent because of national team duty with her native Canada, made a brilliant save in the 73rd minute to preserve the shutout.

The Mutiny will now hit the road for four consecutive road games before returning to their regular home field at Agawam High School on Friday, June 13 against the SoccerPlus CT Reds.

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