The New Haven women’s soccer team opened the 2021 fall season with a bang on Thursday night as the team closed out a thrilling 3-2 victory in double overtime against Post University.

It was a welcomed sight on campus as the team stepped onto Kathy Zolad Stadium for the first time since the 2019 season. The Chargers got onto the board first, as sophomore forward Dakota Cimetta netted her first collegiate goal.

However, the Eagles were quick to respond with two goals of their own in the 39th and 41st minutes. This would punctuate an aggressive Post attack, who launched an 11-shot barrage at the Chargers’ defense in the first half. The Charger defense remained strong, limiting the offense and keeping them off the board with just four total shots for the rest of the game. This effort was led in part by graduate student Paige Davis, the team’s goalie, who also made five saves throughout the match.

After the half, New Haven wasted little time in answering the goals. Once again, the team was helped by a first career goal, this time by freshman forward Meghan Dellea in the 48th minute. This evened the game at two, where the score would remain through the end of regulation.

Finally, in the 100th minute, the New Haven offense broke through. Senior midfielder Mackenzie Myers provided the winning goal, sending a penalty kick into the back of the net and leading the Chargers to a 3-2 victory.

It was an exciting way to cap off a long-awaited game for the soccer team. Thursday marked 667 long days since their last official contest, as the COVID-19 pandemic ravaged all collegiate sports over the last year and a half. The team looks much different now, though, as an influx of underclassmen is finally getting their first taste of a season.

Now, with a healthy mix of new talent and veterans that have endured through COVID-19, the team looks to make their first postseason appearance since 2013. While there is still a long way to go, the Chargers will look to build off a solid start in their season opener.

The Chargers’ (1-0) next matchup comes against Georgian Court (0-1) this Sunday at 4 p.m. as the 2021 Opening Weekend Tournament continues at Kathy Zolad Stadium.