The New Haven women’s soccer team traveled to the Georgian Court University Lions opening tournament this weekend for their season opening games.
In their first game Thursday, the Chargers faced the Jefferson University Rams. Despite a strong defensive fight, the Chargers fell 3-0.
The Rams put the Chargers to the test as Jefferson had a total of 9 shot attempts in the first half. Three of these attempts were saved by New Haven’s goalkeeper, Caitlin Daley, who finished the game with 6 saves during 90 minutes of play. The Chargers countered with only 3 attempted shots of their own, unable to make it past Jefferson’s goalie, Liv Riddel. Freshman Grace Simpson contributed to two of the three attempted shots, and the other attempt was by freshman Layla Coppola. The Chargers and the Rams stood neck and neck entering halftime with a score of 0-0.
After the intermission, the Rams came out strong, and put the Chargers to the test defensively. Nearly ten minutes into the second half, Jefferson scored two goals back-to-back, and put New Haven in a deficit. Hoping to get on the board, Riley Drosopoulos had an attempted shot toward the bottom center, but couldn’t make it past Riddel.
Adding to their advantage, Jefferson’s Avery Nogami scored the third and final goal of the game off a penalty kick. New Haven finished the game with 13 fouls, while Jefferson trailed with eight.
Looking to get in the win column, the Chargers took the field again on Saturday to face the tournament hosts, the Georgian Court University (GCU). They held their defensive ground, but New Haven fell to GCU 2-0.
In the first period, both Chargers and Lions were unable to break through. New Haven had 2 attempted shots while GCU’s 7 shots were shut out by New Haven’s defense. Simpson led the Chargers with the first attempted shot of the game, followed by Antonia Henao. Heading into halftime, the Chargers and the Lions remained at 0-0.
Early in the second half, Coppola had an attempted shot, quickly followed by Emily Marco. Jefferson’s goalkeeper, Delaine Wilkinson, saved both. Following a yellow card on New Haven and a corner kick, the Lions saw an opportunity for a breakthrough as Seanna Boast assisted Corissa Robbins in the first goal of the game.
The final goal of the game for GCU came in the last ten minutes by Ashley Merizalde. The Lions had 14l attempts while New Haven trailed with 10. Daley finished the game with four saves at the goal and New Haven tallied up 11 fouls against GCU finishing with 8.
New Haven stands at 0-2 after their non-conference tournament games. The Chargers take the field again on Wednesday when they take on Felician University. The match is scheduled 1 p.m. at Tyron Field. For more information, visit NewHavenChargers.com.
