Through 78 minutes, the New York University Women's Soccer Team was tied 0-0 with William Paterson University, but Gabriella Funk's (Fremont, CA/Irvington) brace late in the second half sealed the win for NYU.

Funk's pair of second-half tallies were her first two of the season, leading the Violets to a 2-0 victory. The first (79') came from 15 yards out off a cross from Sydney Jo Presnell (San Diego, CA/Rancho Bernardo) and—just two minutes later—she scored again, this time off an assist by Julie Beedle (Doylestown, PA/Central Bucks East).

Funk now leads NYU in points (five) and shots (12) for the season.  

NYU moved the ball around in the first half but could not find the back of the net, getting off four shots on goal while holding the Pioneers to just two. 

After the break, the Violets amped up their aggressiveness, attempting seven shots while the defense held William Paterson to only one chance. NYU goalkeeper Riley Felsher (Pennington, NJ/Princeton Day School) earned her third win and third shutout this season.

"We knew we were making good decisions and creating opportunities to score," said Head Coach Michele Canning.  "It was just a matter of staying composed and not panicking to get those goals."

The Violets have now won three straight games and the young roster is starting to gel together.

"It's been clear in the games and in training sessions that the team is really supporting one another," Canning noted. "The players are really enthusiastic about seeing their teammates do something well. It creates a really good vibe."

NYU now sits at 4-2 on the year while William Paterson falls to 2-3.

The Violets return to the pitch on Saturday, September 25, when they travel to Hackettstown, NJ, to face off against Centenary University.