RINDGE, N.H. (10/18/25) - In a thrilling rematch of last year's NE10 Championship, the Franklin Pierce University women's soccer team came out on top against Adelphi University, securing a 3-2 victory on Sodexo Field.
Score: Franklin Pierce 3, Adelphi 2
Records: Franklin Pierce (8-1-4, 5-0-2), Adelphi (7-4-0, 3-2-0)
Location: Sodexo Field, Rindge, New Hampshire
Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Ravens struck first in the 7th minute following a set-piece deep in their own territory. Samantha Breton (Chicopee, Mass.) launched a long free kick into Adelphi's half. Grace Martin (Millbury, Mass.) redirected it with a header toward Claudia Peirce (Carver, Mass.), who beat her defender and fired a low shot into the left corner for an early 1-0 lead.
- Adelphi answered quickly in the 13th minute. Madison Apicella delivered a corner into the box that Kara DeBlaiso got a touch on. Crystal Knoell finished the play, heading the ball past FPU goalkeeper Jess LaCroix (Nashua, N.H.) to tie the game at 1-1.
- The Panthers controlled much of the first half offensively, outshooting the Ravens 7-4, but the score remained even at halftime.
- Franklin Pierce regained the lead in the 60th minute. Makenzie Shean (Agawam, Mass.) played a pass to Brigid Moore (West Springfield, Mass.) near the edge of the box. Moore lofted a pinpoint cross to Peirce, who headed it into the far corner for her second goal of the match and a 2-1 advantage.
- The lead grew in the 72nd minute when Jenni Huttunen (Tuusula, Finland) connected with Olivia Crespo (Ludlow, Mass.) inside the box. Crespo took a touch and slotted the ball into the back of the net to make it 3-1.
- Adelphi pushed late and cut the deficit in the 82nd minute. After a deflection in the box, DeBlaiso capitalized with a close-range finish to bring the Panthers within one.
- Despite the late pressure, the Ravens held firm to remain unbeaten in NE10 play.
By the Numbers
- Shots: Franklin Pierce 20, Adelphi 13
- Shots on Goal: Franklin Pierce 9, Adelphi 4
- Saves: Jess LaCroix (FPU) – 2, Adelphi GK – 6
- Fouls: 10 each
- Corner Kicks: Franklin Pierce 6, Adelphi 3
UP NEXT FOR THE RAVENS: Franklin Pierce returns to Sodexo Field next Friday (Oct. 24) to host the University of Maine at Fort Kent for their Breast Cancer Awareness Game. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m