Written by Samantha Shifrin
The University of Rhode Island women’s soccer team faced off against George Washington University on Thursday night in Kingston, Rhode Island, battling back from an early two-goal deficit to earn the victory.
The Rams found themselves in a difficult position early in the first half as GW quickly took control of the game. Freshmen No. 33 Ella Provost-Heron and No. 12 Sophia Michel each found the back of the net, putting GW ahead 2–0.
However, the Rams refused to go into halftime quietly. Just when it appeared GW would carry its two-goal advantage into the break, Senior Lauren MacDonald had other plans.
With just two seconds remaining in the half, MacDonald dribbled past her defender and launched a shot that beat the GW goalkeeper. The late goal gave URI a much-needed spark heading into halftime, cutting the deficit to 2–1. This was MacDonald’s first goal of the season.
Coming out of the break, that momentum only continued to build. The Rams appeared more energized and determined, putting pressure on GW and creating opportunities in the attacking third.
That pressure eventually paid off. MacDonald found the equalizer for her second goal of the game after receiving a pass from No. 14 Courtney Poon. MacDonald turned and fired, sending the ball into the top right corner of the net and leaving the GW goalkeeper with no chance to make the save.
With the game now tied at 2–2, the momentum had completely shifted in URI’s favor. The Rams continued to push forward, searching for an opportunity to take their first lead of the night.
That opportunity came with 13 minutes remaining in the second half when GW was called for a handball inside the penalty box.
With a chance to put the Rams ahead, Poon stepped up to take the penalty kick. Despite the pressure of the moment, she calmly struck the ball toward the bottom-left corner. The shot just squeezed past the fingertips of the GW goalkeeper and found the back of the net, giving URI a 3–2 lead.
What began as a two-goal deficit had turned into a dramatic comeback. Behind MacDonald’s two goals and Poon’s penalty kick, the Rams fought their way back into the match and took control when it mattered most.
