The New York University women's soccer team opened its 2017 season with a 4-0 win over St. Joseph's College-LI on Friday, September 1, at Gaelic Park in Riverdale, NY.
The Violets didn't wait long for their first tally as NYU's leading goal-scorer from a year ago,
Alex Benedict (7 goals, 6 assists - tied with
Teressa Fazio), connected from the top of the box just 6:55 into the contest. Assisted by
Sharon Lee, Benedict's shot was deflected by Eagles' goalkeeper Juliana Clinton-Leonardo, but not enough to prevent the goal.
NYU scored again in the opening half on
Julia Raith's first collegiate goal. It went unassisted at 36:03, as her 35-yard shot evaded Clinton-Leonard's reach.
The Violets opened their second-half scoring at 52:53 when
Sophia Foster-Palmer scored her first collegiate goal on a corner kick which deflected off Clinton-Leonardo.
The home team's final tally came at 83:38 when
Amy Elgin scored from the corner on an assist from
Olivia Braender-Carr.
Michaela Brickley, making her first career start in net for the Violets, did not need to record a save in posting the shutout victory.
"We're really excited about the level we're playing at right now," said Head Coach
Michele Canning. "We worked hard in the preseason and I like the way the returners and newcomers are blending."
NOTABLES:
- NYU outshot St. Joseph's 28-1. Twelve of NYU's shots went on net.
- Raith led the NYU onslaught with six shots, two of which landed on net.
- All three of Foster-Palmer's shot went on net.
- NYU posted a 9-0 advantage on corner kicks.
- A Violet Nation-promoted crowd of more than 200 fans were in attendance.
"It was great having the support of our students and fans. It made for a great atmosphere and I want to thank everyone who came out for the game," Canning expressed.
The Violets return to action this Sunday, September 3, when they travel to Poughkeepsie, NY, to face the Vassar College Brewers. The matchup is set to begin at 1:00 pm.
