ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Navy women’s soccer (7-2-0, 1-0-0 Patriot League) opened Patriot League play with a bang by blanking preseason favorite Boston University (5-3-1, 0-1-0 Patriot League), 1-0, on Friday, Sept. 20 at the Glenn Warner Soccer Facility. Senior captain goalkeeper Elizabeth Hoerner made all four saves for her third shutout of the season.

“It feels great to be 1-0 to begin league play, especially against a tough opponent like Boston U.,” said Hoerner. “It comes down to heart in these physical games and I am proud of the girls in front of me for their defensive work .”

A defensive game for both teams, as both team’s offensive opportunities were limited for most of the contest. Boston University had the game’s first two attempts on goal midway through the first half. However, both shots were kept outside of the 18-yard box, making both saves easy for Hoerner.

In the 43rd minute, Navy used a Boston U. misfortune to take a 1-0 lead. Defender Britta Vivaldi pushed up in to the Terrier defensive third and sent a volley towards the net. Teammate Courtney Hook attracted two Terrier defenders in front of the net as the volley came down. As Hook attempted to head the volley, a Terrier defender leaped in front to head the cross. The BU defender’s attempt to knock the pass away was redirected into her own net and gave the Mids a 1-0 lead.

Navy and Boston U. headed into the second half even in shots, 5-5, with the Terriers holding a slight edge in corner kicks, 3-1.
The second half began to open up offensive opportunities for both sides.

Navy midfielder Rachel Hunter found herself with space as she came down the middle of the Terrier’s defensive third in the 63rd minute. Hunter dribbled towards the top of the box and sent a low-liner that was knocked away from BU’s Andrea Green.

BU had two good looks on net, in the 69th, but both shots from Madison Clemens and McGoldrick went wide of the net.

Then in the 79th minutes, Navy looked to extend its lead to two. Forward Paloma Perez, from the right side, sent a hard shot at Green. Green deflected Perez’s shot back into play. Teammate Morgan Dankanich collected the rebound and sent her shot back toward the net. Again, Green deflected the shot away. Finally, the Mids Taylor Kipilii looked to finish off the play but once more Green made the crucial save to keep the Terriers within one.

The Terriers went on a counter attack to look for the equalizer. BU moved into scoring position and Erica Kosienski had a great look to the near post. But Hoerner made a diving stop for her fourth and final save of the game to preserve the 1-0 win.

Both teams played a very even contest, as Boston U. held a slight edge in shots, 11-10, and were even in corner kicks, 6-6.

“I am proud of our guys even though it was not a pretty game overall,” said head coach Carin Gabarra. “That is a great BU team and a great result from us against a very good team. Our team defending was excellent today. However, we panicked a little bit in certain situations and we will look to work on that in our next training session.”

Navy looks to extend its five-game winning streak against St. Francis (Pa.) on Sunday, Sept. 22 at Noon.



 

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