On Saturday, Sept. 30, the Chargers welcomed the Yellowjackets of American International College (AIC) after suffering a tough loss against Assumption. It was a close game, with solid defenses from both sides. Freshman forward Emma Beaujouan stepped up for New Haven, earning her first collegiate goal and achieving victory for the home team.
The first quarter was back and forth between both teams, with aggressive forward lines and strong defenses. AIC earned the first shot on goal but New Haven was quick to answer back. Junior forward Abby Nixon was the first to get a shot on goal for the Chargers, with not just one but two back-to-back shots in the circle. This momentum continued when senior forward Kat Trammel also added two shot opportunities, however the forward line could not seem to net one in the first quarter.
The second quarter was similar to the first, both teams fighting for the ball in the midfield throughout the 15-minute period. Neither team could find the opportunity for a shot on goal until nine minutes into the quarter. The first shot of the second quarter was awarded to sophomore defender Eliza Caven, who capitalized on an offensive penalty corner. Unfortunately, the shot was deflected by AIC’s goalkeeper. Despite this save, the Yellowjacket defense could not seem to fully clear the ball, which resulted in two more penalty corners for the Chargers. The back line for New Haven was as strong as ever, not allowing a single shot on goal for the entirety of the second quarter.
The Chargers went into the second half with energy and ambition, looking to put a number on the scoreboard. The forward line refused to stop pushing, spending the first nine minutes of the third quarter with offensive possession in American International’s defensive circle. During these nine minutes, New Haven had four shots on goal, looking to tire the defense and the goalkeeper just enough to put one through. This game-winning goal would come from Beaujouan, netting her first collegiate goal and putting the Chargers in the lead. AIC attempted to even the score, yet only found one shot on goal during the third quarter.
Going into the fourth quarter of a one goal game, both teams were determined to take the win. The stakes were high, with just one goal needed to tie it and two needed to win, the Chargers took the field ready to defend. The forward line refused to let down, pressuring the AIC back line with numerous shots on goal. AIC would be awarded two penalty corners later in the quarter, and while two shots were taken, neither were able to even out the score. As time ran out, the Chargers were unable to add to the score, resulting in a 1-0 win.
With a game total of 14 shots on goal, it was clear that the forwards for the Chargers were nothing short of determined. The defense also held their own, only allowing six shots from AIC in their circle. This game was just one of two that the Chargers played this weekend as they faced off with Bloomsburg University on Sunday and suffered a 4-0 loss. For more information on both games, visit NewHavenChargers.com.