On a windy, rainy day, the Violets (9-4, 1-2) earned their first University Athletic Association (UAA) win of 2011 against a Bears (11-3, 1-2) squad ranked #9 in Division III by D3soccer.com and #10 by the NSCAA.

 

Ribadeneyra netted the game winner just 1:34 into the second half. After a turnover by the Washington defense, the sophomore collected the ball in the middle of the field and placed a shot into the right corner. The goal was the first of her career.

 

From there, the NYU defense held the Bears’ potent offense, which entered the contest ranked first in the UAA in goals per game (3.15), off the board despite being outshot 20-5.

 

Goalkeepers Meg Patten and Jen Chuck combined for five saves in goal, helping the Violets snap an eight-game losing streak against Washington and earn their first victory over the Bears since October 5, 2001 (also 1-0).

“I’m very proud of the girls,” said first-year head coach Michele Canning. “We’ve been training really hard on defending and defensive shape, and they fought hard to get the shutout.

 

“This was a good experience for us to build on,” added Canning.

After allowing 13 shots in the first half, the NYU defense clamped down in the second, holding the Bears to just seven shots.

 

The Violets’ offense, meanwhile, tried to take advantage of Washington’s aggressiveness and nearly expanded their lead several times. Megan Young had one of the best opportunities, collecting a ball on the left side of the box, but goalkeeper Clara Jaques charged to break up the threat.

 

Jaques was forced to charge again with just over 10 minutes to play on another dangerous opportunity. Serra Tumay played a through ball to Cami Crawford, who beat her defender to the ball and got off a shot that a charging Jaques stopped with her legs.

The Bears’ best chance came with just over 15 minutes remaining. Mari Greenberg made a run down the right side and crossed to a wide-open Lauren Steimle, whose shot went wide left.

 

NYU returns to action on Sunday against the defending UAA Champion, the University of Chicago. Game time is scheduled for 1:30 pm.