In a conference matchup against cross-town rivals, the Chargers defeated the Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) Owls, 19-9.
After a strong win over Southern New Hampshire University the week prior, attacker Caitlin Seleny said the team knew they had to bring the same intensity and focus, which started with preparation.
“Every single person on this team played a role in getting us ready, whether it was pushing the pace in practice, supporting each other, or bringing energy from the sidelines,” said Seleny. “We held each other accountable and made sure we stayed locked in all four quarters.”
Less than a minute into the first quarter, midfielder Gianna Caprioli scored the first goal of the game off an assist from midfielder Summer Castiglione. Following the goal, the Chargers got draw control, but Caprioli had a turnover and the Owls capitalized. After multiple shot attempts and a save by New Haven’s goalkeeper, Madeline Sage, SCSU’s Allie Palmer struck the back of the net. Seconds later, Chargers’ midfielder Katie Schenk got draw control and assisted Seleny to take the lead, 2-1. Southern’s Macy Vail took charge and scored back-to-back goals for the Owls. With over a minute left in the first quarter, Caprioli scored another goal and tied the game, 3-3.
After multiple turnovers by both the Chargers and the Owls early in the second quarter, Seleny got a shot past Southern’s goalkeeper, Caelan Connors. New Haven got draw control but after a missed shot attempt, Vail scored her third goal of the game for the Owls. The Chargers took control for the remainder of the first half and Seleny scored two more goals. After a series of back-and-forth plays, attacker Lindsey Belmonte struck the back of the net and advanced the Chargers to a 7-4 lead. With under 30 seconds left, Schenk scored back-to-back goals and sent New Haven into halftime with a 9-4 advantage.
The Chargers’ momentum continued in the third quarter with five early goals. Seleny found the back of the net twice, while attacker Lucy Shafer, Belmonte and Schenk also added a goal each. The Owls went on an offensive run and scored four goals, but it was not enough as the Chargers had two additional goals with under two minutes left on the clock. Schenk and Belmonte each ended the quarter with a goal as the Chargers advanced to the fourth quarter with a 16-8 lead.
After a series of shot attempts by the Chargers, the Owls’ Vail found the back of the net for the fourth and final time of the game. Both teams struggled with turnovers, but the Chargers finished the fourth quarter strong with a trio of goals. Midfielders Morgan Uzdanovich and Helena Dunwoody both added a goal while Seleny struck her seventh shot past Connors and advanced the lead for the Chargers.
New Haven finished the game with 39 shots while SCSU had 24. The Chargers also took possession 20 times compared to the Owls’ 12. After 60 minutes of play, the Chargers had 13 turnovers and eight saves.
With a series of conference games ahead of the Chargers, Seleny said the team needs to stay together and stick to what works.
“Our main focus moving forward is to consistently show up and compete in all four quarters,” said Seleny. “I think our team chemistry and the way we support each other is what keeps us going, and that’s something we’ll continue to build on.”
After the win against the Owls, New Haven has an overall record of 6-3 and 3-0 in conference play. The Chargers will be back in action on Wednesday for a conference game against the Saint Anselm College Hawks. Face-off is scheduled for 4 p.m. at Grappone Stadium. For more information, visit NewHavenChargers.com.
