HAMILTON, NY - Despite being outshot 23-6, the Buffalo women's soccer team capitalized on its opportunities Wednesday afternoon, scoring twice to down the Colgate Raiders 2-0. The team remains undefeated for the season and has still not allowed a goal.

While Colgate had the majority in shots, only seven were on goal, compared to four out of Buffalo's six shots on goal. Late in the first half, Stephanie Velez came into the game off the bench and made an instant impact, taking a pass from sophomore Megan Abman and placing it on the left past Colgates goalie to open the scoring. It was the redshirt sophomore's first goal since her stellar freshman season in 2009, as she returned from missing all of last season with an ankle injury.

"It was a good moment for Steph," said head coach Michael Thomas. "With her injury she has had to embrace a bit of a different role, and we loved the way she came onto the field and brought a lot of energy today."

As the second half got under way, the Raiders turned up the pressure but were held at bay by the Buffalo defense and rising standout Ainsley Wheldon, who made a season-best seven saves for her third straight shutout.

"Goalkeeping is a position that experience matters a lot, and Ainsley has come into this season really focused," Thomas said. "I think that she would be the first to tell you that she has had some great play from the back line in front of her, but you're really seeing the maturity of a second-year player in the net."

With only a one-goal advantage, the offense kept searching for the clinching goal, and found it late with a goal in the 83rd minute from Abman. Seeing action for the first time this season, the Denver, CO native took a pass from freshmanKatie Roberts and put the game out of reach with her fourth career goal.

"The strength of our team is the fact that so many different players can contribute in so many different ways," Thomas said "All of our attackers bring something different and special to the field and they're all doing a great job of finding a way to chip in."

The team will have it's first two-game week, as Big 4 rival St. Bonaventure will come to UB Stadium this Saturday for a 7 pm game. Live video will be available for the first time this season for the team.

---

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

Men's NCAA Tournament First Round Recap

TeamRank Presented By TeamSnap - Boys

Midwest High School Roundup - Nov.