Providence, R.I.--Senior midfielder Marissa Ruzzano (Smithfield, R.I.) and classmate forward Tayla Salome (Lincoln, R.I.) each scored in their final collegiate game as Rhode Island College came from behind to tie Western Connecticut, 2-2, in the 2024 season finale at Alumni Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
 
THE BASICS
Rhode Island College 2, Western Connecticut 2
Rhode Island College (6-8-4, 1-4-3 LEC)
Western Connecticut (9-5-5, 4-1-3 LEC)
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
• With the game scoreless, the visitors were dealt a crucial blow as a second yellow card forced WestConn to play with just 10 players over the final 58 minutes.
 
• Western nearly took a first half lead in the 34^th minute, but Ruzzano made a sliding back save to prevent WCSU from scoring into an open net. 
 
• The Wolves broke through in the 37^th minute and took a 1-0 advantage into halftime.
 
• Rhode Island College snapped its 458-minute scoreless streak as Salome broke in along the end line and got a favorable deflection off her attempt to tie the contest in the 59^th minute.
 
• An Anchorwomen foul just outside the 18-yard box in the 87^th minute set up a free kick, which WestConn sophomore forward Morgan Fontaine (Killingworth, Conn.) buried for what looked to be the game-winner.
 
• As RIC was approaching midfield 45 seconds later, a Western Connecticut foul set up a long range free kick for the hosts. Junior back Karen Johnson-Hoffman (Groton, Conn.) rifled the ball on goal and Ruzzano got her head on it to tie the game.
 
• Ruzzano put a good attempt on goal with just seconds remaining, but the shot was stopped and time expired.
 
• RIC senior goalkeeper Chloe Angelone (Bayville, N.Y.) closed out her final game as an Anchorwoman with seven saves and recorded the tie (4-7-4).