WILMINGTON, Del. — Goldey-Beacom defeated D'Youville 2-0 on Wednesday at NCS Field. The Saints managed 16 shots with 8 on target but could not find the back of the net. Despite a strong defensive effort by their goalkeeper, who tallied five saves, Goldey-Beacom secured the win with goals in each half.
The first half began with D'Youville actively seeking offensive opportunities, as
Melia La (Essex, England / Illinois Central College) attempted an early shot that went high in the 4th minute. The team continued to press forward, with
Eleonora Cecchini (San Marino, Fiorentino, Italy Liceo delle Scienze Umane) and
Laoise O'Haodha (Limerick, Ireland Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh) also testing the Lightning's defense, but they were unable to find the back of the net.
Amanda Kit (Markham, Ontario Bill Crothers Secondary School) provided crucial saves to keep the Saints in the match.
Despite maintaining pressure, Goldey-Beacom capitalized, breaking the deadlock in the 41st minute with a goal. The half closed with D'Youville trailing 1-0, as they looked to regroup for the second half.
The second half commenced with the Saints aiming to capitalize on their offensive opportunities. O'Haodha and Cecchini each tested Goldey-Beacom's defense with shots on target, but goalkeeper Malaika Nunziata managed to keep the net secure. As the half progressed, Goldey-Beacom found the back of the net in the 85th minute, marking the only goal of the half.
Despite D'Youville's persistent efforts to breach Goldey-Beacom's defense, including several shots from
Madayia Simons (Baldwinsville, N.Y. / C/.W. Baker) and
Olivia Paterniti (Allegany, N.Y. / Allegany-Limestone), Goldey-Beacom maintained her team's lead. The match concluded with Goldey-Beacom securing a 2-0 victory, despite the Saints' determined attempts to change the tide.
Kit made five saves in the match, facing seven shots on goal. O'Haodha led the team with four shots, three of which were on target. La and Cecchini each contributed three shots, with one shot each on goal.
Up next for D'Youville, they will host St. Thomas Aquinas College on Saturday, October 18, in Buffalo, N.Y. The match will begin at 3 p.m. ET, offering a chance for the team to secure a victory in front of their home crowd.
