Box Score

Senior Sarah Pillemer found the back of the net twice over the final 45 minutes, including the game-winning goal at 79:16, to lead the New York University women's soccer team to a 2-1 triumph over Case Western Reserve University in its University Athletic Association (UAA) opener Saturday evening in Cleveland.

Pillemer's second-half heroics helped the Violets (8-2-0, 1-0-0) earn their first UAA road victory since a 2-1 triumph at Carnegie Mellon University on Oct. 16, 2005.  NYU has won eight straight games this season, and possesses wins in its past two UAA openers.

"It was an exciting win," NYU head coach Werner T. Dasbach said afterward.  "We're happy because the spirit and desire to go forward was tremendous.  It's a great result."

For only the third time this season, the Violets found themselves trailing at intermission, but Saturday's deficit ultimately set up their first come-from-behind win in 2008.

Case Western (6-5-0) put NYU in a 1-0 hole just 11:08 into the contest when Ana Arruda tallied unassisted.  However, the Violets tightened up defensively and were able to consistently force the issue in Case Western's half, and often final third, of the pitch, as evidenced by their 18-4 edge on shots and 9-2 advantage on corner kicks.

After Pillemer took a NYU corner kick, sophomore Jane Barrett gained possession before setting up the two-time Second Team All-UAA selection, who buried the equalizer at 60:58. 

Pillemer's second score of the game, and team-best seventh of the season, came after freshman Erica Jones won a 50-50 ball and put the striker in position to help the Violets extend their winning streak.

Sophomore Alex Walters improved to 8-1-0 by making three saves.  Kirsten McClain put aside eight shots in the setback for Case Western.

NYU returns to action Wednesday, Oct. 8, when it travels to Wayne, NJ, to face an undefeated William Paterson University (8-0-1) side for a 3:30 p.m. contest.  The Violets produced a 2-0 win over the Pioneers last fall.