The Chargers lost their home opener, 11-10, against the Mercy University Mavericks on Wednesday.
Midfielder Katie Schenk said that going into the game, the team knew it would be a competitive match-up.
“We needed to execute our plan and stand strong against a team like Mercy,” said Schenk.
Midfielder Gianna Caprioli scored the first goal of the game off an assist from Schenk. Following the goal, the Mavericks got draw control and Mercy’s Juliana Talenti struck the back of the net. Seconds later, Mercy’s Marena Morales scored a free position shot after a foul from the Chargers’ Rebecca Williams. Midfielder Summer Castiglione got draw control for New Haven and Schenk tied up the game.
Mercy’s offense finished the first quarter strong with two free position shots scored by Kayden Meyer and Leah Hansen.
In the second quarter, attacker Sophia Minnion quickly got a shot past the Maverick’s goalkeeper, Olivia LaMonica. The Mavericks countered with a goal from Maeghan Callow and attempted another point that was saved by New Haven’s goalkeeper, Madeline Sage.
Minnion was able to find the back of the net again off an assist from attacker Caitlin Seleny. With less than three minutes left in the first half, both teams exchanged a series of points and the Mavericks went into halftime with a two-point advantage.
In the third quarter, there wasn’t any offensive action until the final minutes, where the Chargers were able to tie the game, 7-7. After a foul committed by Mercy, Schenk struck the back of the net and nearly a minute later, Seleny scored a goal off an assist from Caprioli.
In the final quarter, Caprioli took the lead for the Chargers, but the Mavericks quickly fought back with three consecutive goals. Mercy’s Callow and Hansen advanced their lead by two points until Schenk scored her third goal of the game in an attempt to close the gap. Mercy got draw control and Ashlinn Kelly scored the Mavericks’ final goal of the game. With under two minutes left, Schenk scored a free position shot.
This is the first loss of the season for the Chargers, but Caprioli said that there is a lot the team can learn from this game.
“I’m most looking forward to continuing to play and grow with this group,” said Caprioli. “We have a very challenging and exciting schedule ahead of us, and I’m looking forward to competing!”
New Haven finished the game with 23 shots while Mercy had 24. Mercy took possession 17 times, compared to the Chargers’ seven. After 60 minutes of play, the Chargers had 10 turnovers and six saves.
After the loss to the Mavericks, New Haven has an overall record of 1-1. The Chargers will be back in action Wednesday at Rockville, N.Y., when they face the Molloy University Lions. Face-off is at 7 p.m. at Rockville Center Sports Complex. For more information, visit NewHavenChargers.com.
