Yale Blanks Sacred Heart 4-0

August 28, 2016

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Rudy Meredith had to make one significant adjustment to accommodate Sunday’s 10 a.m. start on the second day of the Yale Classic.

“I had to tape the Premier League games,” joked Yale’s long-time head coach.

His team had no issues at all with the early start. Michelle Alozie scored twice and Aerial Chavarin added a pair of assists as the Bulldogs rolled to an impressive 4-0 victory over Sacred Heart on a gorgeous day at Reese Stadium.

Yale, off to a 2-0 start for the third time in the last four years, overcame some obstacles to win its two games in the Classic. The Bulldogs dominated Friday’s game with Bryant but still found themselves tied 1-1 in the final minutes before Chavarin tallied the game-winner. Shortly after the game, the team learned the start time against Sacred Heart had been moved up to accommodate Yale’s freshmen orientation.

“I’m most impressed with how we dealt with adversity,” Meredith said. “It can be easy to lose focus. I’m proud of how we handled everything.”

Just like Friday, the Bulldogs jumped in front early. Sofia Griff knocked home a beautiful cross from Alozie at the 14-minute mark to make it 1-0. Sarah McCauley also assisted on the goal.

Unlike Friday, Yale was able to increase the margin. Alozie was again at the center of the action. She left-footed a Chavarin cross past SHU goalkeeper Nicole Sambuco at 29:13.

“I was very happy we were able to get that second goal,” Meredith said.

Karina Kovalcik’s first career goal at 42 minutes gave the Bulldogs an even more comfortable 3-0 advantage by halftime.

Alozie’s second goal of the game, early in the second half, capped the scoring. Meg Byfield and Carlin Hudson had the assists on that goal.

With the big lead and it being another hot day at Reese, Meredith was again able to get a look at a number of players. Twenty-two different Bulldogs saw action, including three goalkeepers. Maritza Grillo, Alyssa Fagel and Jane Buckley combined to make three saves in posting the shutout.

Through two games, Yale has had five different players score.

“Hopefully that will continue,” Meredith said. “It makes it difficult to scout us.”

The Bulldogs are back in action on Wednesday when they host Stony Brook at 6 p.m.