Box Score Box Score
LANCASTER, Pa. – Sara Ghorashi's first-career shutout keyed Franklin & Marshall's women's soccer team in a 1-0 shutout of Muhlenberg at home in the Centennial Conference (CC) opener on Saturday evening.
The Diplomats improved to 4-1-1, 1-0 CC with their first win over Muhlenberg since 2011, while the Mules dropped to 4-2, 0-1 CC.
In the early going of the first half, Ghorashi stood tall in net by thwarting several scoring chances by the Mules', including a diving save in the 18th.
With eight minutes remaining in the frame, Muhlenberg found space at the top of the box and fired a point-blank shot on net, but Ghorashi was there once again to stop the attempt.
The Diplomats' offense managed to breakthrough in the 40th minute to take the 1-0 advantage. Sarah Marsan lined up for a corner kick on the near side and lofted a ball into the center of the box. Her attempt found its way past traffic, hit off of Teresa Meyer and was launched into the lower right of the goal with a strike from Anna Coleman – her second of the year.
Stellar defense remained F&M's calling card throughout the second half as the Diplomat backline fought off a slew of potential opportunities from Muhlenberg.
Emily Cleary played a highlight-worthy through pass to Meg O'Callahan in the middle of the box. O'Callahan got a foot on the ball, directing it toward the net but missed just wide of the right post.
O'Callahan nearly tacked on again in the 81st, creating open space at the top of the box and rifling a low shot that was turned back by a diving stop.
However, the one goal proved to be more than enough for F&M's stout defense en route to the key Conference victory.
Ghorashi (4-1-1) was unwavering in net, picking up seven saves in the game through 90 minutes to earn the win. Libby Juliano (4-2) recorded five saves in the losing effort.
The overall shot count belonged to Muhlenberg at 15-13, but the Diplomats held a dominant 10-3 advantage in the second half. O'Callahan led the way with four shots, while Emilee Adami and Catie Kaseta followed with three each.
F&M continues CC play on Wednesday, traveling to Dickinson for a 6:00 p.m. match.
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