On Thursday, the women’s soccer team faced the Chicago State University Cougars and lost, 3-0. With the result, the Chargers dropped to 0–12–1 overall (0–7–1 conference), while the Cougars improved to 4–7–5 (2–4–2). Despite what the scoreboard showed, New Haven’s effort and energy stood out as the Chargers continued to compete with determination and grit throughout the full 90 minutes.
Chicago State took control early, and broke through in the seventh minute when Renee Davis converted on a rebound past the Chargers’ goalkeeper, Caitlin Daley. The Chargers regrouped quickly, and showed strong defensive organization and smart ball movement through midfield to create opportunities on the counterattack. Emma Mitchell and Janayah Body each generated solid scoring chances in the first half, and forced the Cougars’ goalkeeper Aviana Gutierrez to stay alert. Still, the visitors managed to find a second goal in the 33rd minute when Veronika Avila finished off a passing play from Jewel Foreman and Megan Swift. After falling behind 2–0, New Haven kept pressing and matched Chicago State in intensity, and finished the half with eight shots and several moments of promise in the attacking third.
In the second half, the Chargers’ back line, led by Riley Drosopoulos, Caroline Ennis and Janayah Body, tightened up defensively, and cut off several Chicago State counterattacks. Daley continued her standout play and recorded 11 total saves, many of them in one-on-one situations that could have easily increased the deficit. Her consistency and communication in goal anchored a New Haven defense that refused to back down.
Offensively, Lola Wood and Kelsey Landers helped keep pressure on the Cougars, while Molly Heras and Mitchell provided control in the midfield. The Chargers created a handful of late opportunities, including multiple corner kicks and shots on target, but Chicago State held firm. The Cougars added a late insurance goal in the 83rd minute, when Jacqueline Kambere scored off an assist from Teyha Guiden, sealing the 3–0 final.
Though the Chargers were unable to find the net, the team’s resilience and improvement were evident throughout the match. New Haven showed strong chemistry, communicated well defensively and played with noticeable confidence against the Cougars. Statistically, the Cougars held a slight edge, and outshot New Haven 24–11 and held a 5–4 advantage in corner kicks.
The Chargers look to build on their second-half performance when they host the Wagner College Seahawks on Thursday for their last home game of the season. The match is set to begin at 6 p.m. at Kathy Zolad Stadium. For more information, visit NewHavenChargers.com.
