BROCKPORT, NY- Offensive consistency from the Alfred University women's soccer team led to a 3-2 win over SUNY Brockport on Wednesday from A. Huntley Parker Jr. Field.
The Saxons (2-0-2) totaled nine shots, six of which were on goal. The Alfred defense also defended eight corner kick opportunities from the Golden Eagles (1-1-1).
Junior midfielder
Angelina Gonzalez (Marion, NY/Marion) found the back of the net once across two shots on goal. First-year forward
Kayla Silverstein (North Chili, NY/Churchville-Chili) and first-year midfielder
Alyssa Smith (Pearl River, NY/Pearl River) each finished with one goal. Junior goalkeeper
Hannah Fuller (Binghamton, NY/Chenango Forks) picked up four saves.
"Our first-year players have started off this season really well," Head Coach
Craig Yanni said. "Their confidence and work rate has helped them adapt to their role on the team. I'm excited to see where they will be as the season progresses."
The Saxons defense held its own in the opening half, successfully defending three corner kicks and two shots from Brockport across the first 20 minutes. A pass from senior defender
Mackenzie O'Brien (Akron, NY/Akron) to Silverstein gave AU the early lead. The Saxons expanded on their lead thanks to a goal from Smith. Brockport answered with their first goal in the closing seconds of the opening half, as Alfred University entered halftime with a 2-1 lead.
The Golden Eagles placed pressure on the Saxons in the second half, as they scored within the opening minute to even the score. AU drew a foul inside the goal box at the 69:55 mark, allowing Gonzalez to capitalize on a penalty kick for the Saxons to take a 3-2 lead. Alfred University only allowed one more shot in the second half before securing the win.
"I'm very happy with how the team has started the season," Yanni said. "We continue to work on the small things daily. We are very much aware of the things we need to work on. It will be nice to return home on Saturday and hopefully continue to improve our play."
The Saxons will host their home-opener against King's College on Saturday at 6pm.
