PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Junior forward Stacy Leonard (Rockland, Mass.) scored what proved to be the game-winning goal in the 64th minute to lead the University of Massachusetts Boston women's soccer team over host Rhode Island College today, 2-0, in the Little East Conference season opener this afternoon.

The victory is the first for the Beacons over a conference opponent since they defeated the Anchorwomen on September 28, 1995.  

The two club's played a scoreless first half, with UMass Boston (2-4, 1-0 LEC) holding a six-shot advantage, 12-6, after 45 minutes. Leonard put UMB in the driver's seat by breaking in on the left side, deking a defender and firing a right-footed shot past RIC sophomore goalkeeper Maddie Pirri (Bristol, R.I.) for her team-leading third goal of the season.

UMass Boston got an insurance goal from sophomore midfielder Nicki Finamore (Rockland, Mass.) in the 83rd minute. Freshman midfielder Molly Kuchar (Ashville, N.C.) generated the scoring opportunity off a corner kick. Her volley went over Pirri's outstretched hand to Finamore, whose shot ricocheted off a RIC defender and into the net.

Beacon junior goalkeeper Courtney Haroules (Littleton, Mass.) made six saves to earn her second win (2-2) and gain her first career shutout. Pirri made eight saves in a losing effort (1-7). UMass Boston outshot RIC, 20-16, in the game.

The win snapped an 87-conference match winless streak for the Beacons.

In upcoming action, UMass Boston will host Fitchburg State College on Tuesday, September 23 at 3:30 p.m., while Rhode Island College will host Bridgewater State on September 23 at 4:00 p.m.