Sammy Smith used to score goals for Whitman-Hanson and for Boston College, too.
Now, Smith finds the back of net on a bigger stage with the Boston Legacy.
The Hanson native was up to get goal-scoring ways Sunday night as Smith tallied the lone goal for the Legacy in a 1-1 tie on the road against fellow expansion franchise Denver Summit. The tie puts Boston at 3-1-2 since returning from the World Cup break and 5-8-5 overall, good for a tie in 11th place with Denver in the 16-team National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
Smith’s goal in the 34th minute gave the Legacy a 1-0 lead and came in unique fashion. Legacy goalie Casey Murphy launched a deep punt that took two bounces and was at the opposite 18-yard box. Smith outran a Summit defender and showed great poised by smoothly finishing her shot past charging Denver goalie Abby Smith. Sammy Smith’s goal was upheld by VAR.
The Summit netted the equalizer in the 72nd minute on a penalty kick by Janine Sonis. Other than that, Murphy was brilliant once again, making six saves as the Legacy have allowed just five goals in their last six games.
The Legacy return to action next Sunday when it hosts the Portland Thorns at Centreville Bank Stadium in Pawtucket, R.I. The game is scheduled for 4 p.m.