The Yale women’s soccer team made a big statement in its Ivy League opener. Aerial Chavarin scored midway through the first half, and Yale’s defense was outstanding in a 1-0 victory over defending champion Princeton at Roberts Stadium.

“Today was a great performance from start to finish against a well-coached Princeton team,” said Brendan Faherty, The Loring Family Head Coach of the Bulldogs. “I am very happy for our student-athletes as they have worked very hard and deserve to enjoy a moment like today on the road.”

Mia Grillo assisted on Chavarin’s goal, which came on a shot that went across the box from inside the 18 at 16:18.

“We started the game brightly, and in the first 30 minutes I thought we had much better of the play,” Faherty said. “It was important that we were able to score during that period as momentum definitely swung back and forth during the last 60 minutes.”

Yale has now outscored its opponents 13-4 in the first half this season.

The Bulldogs’ defense then took care of the rest, limiting Princeton’s chances. Defenders Reina Bonta, Kristen Enriquez and Emily Clorite each played the full 90 minutes, while Alexandra McCraven saw 81 minutes of action.

Goalkeeper Alyssa Fagel made three saves to post the shutout.

Princeton outshot the Bulldogs 14-13, but Yale had a 5-2 edge in corner kicks.

The Bulldogs are back at Reese Stadium to host Harvard next Saturday night at 7 p.m.

“We will enjoy this win for the next day or so and then turn our attention to a very dangerous Harvard team,” Faherty said.

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