MANSFIELD, Pa. – The Frostburg State field hockey team knocked off No. 6 Mansfield by a score of 2-1 on the road Sunday, their first win over a ranked opponent this season.
Frostburg wasted no time on the attack, earning a corner in the first 30 seconds of the game. FSU capitalized on the set piece with a goal scored by junior Macy Layfield off a rebound from a blocked shot. With the early 1-0 lead the Bobcats continued to apply pressure, being awarded another corner and forcing the Mansfield goalie to come up with a save. After controlling possession for the first five minutes the Mountaineers found their first offensive threat on a breakaway counterattack that led to a corner that was defended by the Bobcats. FSU used the strong start to take a 1-0 lead into the second quarter.
To start the second quarter Mansfield was the able to earn three early corners. The third corner saw a great opportunity for the Mountaineers until a diving kick save was made by sophomore goalie Zoe Barnes, sending the ball past the end line. Both teams continued to look for the games next goal, trading possessions throughout. The Mountaineers had a corner near the one-minute mark that was fended off by the continued strong play from Barnes as the teams headed to the half at 1-0.
In the third quarter the Mountaineers found the equalizer five minutes in on a hard shot from the edge of the arc. With the game back up for grabs, the teams traded of attacking efforts into each end of the field. Sophomore Paige Leitzel sent a nice leading cross into the box that was kicked out by the Mountaineer goalie. Continuing to apply pressure, the Bobcats got a corner and had several attempts at goal. The Mountaineers had a defensive save and a save from the keeper before FSU was awarded a penalty stroke. Leitzel hit the ball with confidence, hammering into the left side of the goal. Mansfield had a late corner opportunity that was shut down by senior Emily Hughes clearing the ball out.
With a 2-1 lead the Bobcats head into the fourth trying to protect the lead. The Mountaineers came out with possession early searching for the equalizer. Frostburg did a great job maintaining the lead, with a pair of players having been shown cards and leading to man-down opportunities. The defense stepped up and kept possession away from MU, getting the teams back even in players. The Bobcats had opportunities late to add to the lead with Leitzel forcing a save and earning a late corner, but FSU didn't need another goal, securing the 2-1 win.
The Bobcats had nine shots in total with seven of them being on target compared to nine and four, respectively, for the hosts. Another strong showing from Barnes saw her pick up three saves with just the one goal allowed in net.
With the win Frostburg moves to 6-3 on the season and the Mountaineers fall to 5-2. FSU will see action again on Saturday, September 30 when they travel to play at Shippensburg for a 1 PM start. For more information please visit frostburgsports.com.
