Despite trailing for 53 minutes of its Thursday night matchup with Providence, Boston College women’s soccer fought back to force a tie with just 10 minutes to go, holding the Friars to a 1–1 draw.
Forward Sam Smith scored the equalizer in the 81st minute, marking her fourth straight game with a goal.
Providence (2–3–1) began the game with four corner kicks in the first 10 minutes, testing BC goalkeeper Wiebke Willebrandt from the first kickoff. Forward Meg Hughes had two early shots on goal, but Willebrandt put her skills on display to keep the game scoreless.
After a foul against Providence in the ninth minute, the Eagles (4–1–2) controlled possession for the first time. They had a few nice looks, including a shot by defenseman Michela Agresti that forced Emma Bodmer to make a diving save.
The defensive grudge match continued until Providence regained control with some key substitutions. Midfielder Alexis Rothmann was the first to capitalize on Providence’s newfound control by placing the ball just out of reach of Willebrandt’s full-extension dive, giving the Friars a 1–0 lead in the 28th minute.
BC head coach Jason Lowe brought on freshman Sophia Lowenberg following the goal. The move almost paid off, as the midfielder found herself with an opportunity to score two minutes later, but Bodmer made the save to keep the Eagles off the board.
Providence clung to its narrow lead as the clock wound down, but Providence committed a crucial foul in the 74th minute that gave BC possession in its offensive zone. BC built up its attack over the next five minutes, and after a crisp pass from Laura Gouvin, Smith scored the equalizer.
Providence outshot the Eagles 12–7, with eight shots on goal compared to BC’s four.
