In a conference match against the American International College (AIC) Yellow Jackets, the Chargers won, 23-0.
The win against AIC extends the Chargers’ six-game win streak. Attacker Sophia Minnion said the team works productively in practice to prepare themselves for their opponents.
“One of the reasons we excel in our games is because both sides of the ball push one another during our practices,” she said. “When preparing for games, the offense works hard to prepare our defense, and vice versa.”
New Haven’s offense dominated in the first quarter with nine goals against AIC’s goalkeeper, Maggie Kloster. Attacker Caitlin Seleny scored the first goal of the game after a ground ball picked up by midfielder Helena Dunwoody.
Midfielder Gianna Caprioli scored another goal for the Chargers on a free-position shot, shortly followed by a shot from Dunwoody. The Yellow Jackets had a chance at goal but could not get past New Haven’s goalkeeper, Madeline Sage.
Attacker Lucy Shafer scored the next goal for New Haven off an assist from Dunwoody followed by a pair of goals from Schenk and attacker Lindsey Belmonte. To end the first quarter, Seleny scored for the Chargers, followed by back-to-back goals from Caprioli.
In the second quarter, the Chargers scored six more goals against AIC. Midfielder Summer Castiglione struck the back of the net on a free-position shot after a foul committed by the Yellow Jackets. Midfielder Emma Cretella was right behind with a free-position shot of her own and advanced New Haven’s lead to 11-0. The Chargers finished the first half with a goal from defender Sam Maucere, two goals by Minnion and one from attacker Marissa Pinkham. New Haven entered halftime with a 15-0 lead over AIC.
The Chargers struggled with fouls and turnovers at the start of the third quarter, but their offense struck back with three goals. Midfielder Sophia Devaney scored a free-position shot following a foul by the Yellow Jackets’ Sophia Sellins. Attacker Kendall Morrill struck the net for her first goal of the season, and with under a minute left, Minnion added another goal off an assist from Maucere.
In the final quarter, the Chargers’ momentum continued as they added five goals to extend their lead. Minnion scored her fourth and final goal of the game followed by midfielder Kaleigh Schaeffler, who scored her first goal of the season. Midfielder Kendall Murray also scored her first goal of the season, followed by another shot from Schaeffler and the final goal of the game made by attacker Morgan Uzdanovich.
The Chargers finished the game with 39 shots against AIC’s six. New Haven took possession 21 times, compared to the Yellow Jackets’ four. New Haven committed five turnovers and had six saves. The Chargers shot 9-for-10 in free-position shots.
Minnion said that the team has a strong connection and constantly celebrates one another, while the senior leaders bring both confidence and support to all teammates.
“We are in a great spot and are looking forward to the last few regular season games and then ahead to playoffs,” Minnion said. “Even though we are facing some tough opponents, we are excited for the challenge and look forward to continuing the hard work we have been putting in.”
The Chargers went on to face the Pace University Setters and won, 12-9. Caprioli led New Haven with four goals while Sage had seven saves at goal.
After defeating AIC and Pace, New Haven has an overall record of 11-3 and 8-0 in conference play. The Chargers will be back in action on Wednesday when they travel to Garden City, N.Y. to face the Adelphi University Panthers. Tip-off is scheduled for 5 p.m. at Motamed Field. For more information, visit NewHaveChargers.com.
