Lawrenceville, NJ – The Wagner women's soccer team kicked off its 2021 season with a 3-2 victory over Rider on Friday evening at Ben Cohen Field.
Junior
Madison Carr recorded two goals in her first game for the Green & White while
Annie White scored in the 56th minute. Newcomer
Emma Roe notched her first collegiate assist while
Kayla Barbosa was given the assist on White's goal.
"There was no better way to start this season then with this victory," commented head coach
Phil Casella.
"Our team played hard, played together and kept on fighting till the very end. It is a grind and they did just that. It is all about preparing mentally and physically as we get ready for our next opponent."
Junior goalkeeper
Erin Kelly recorded two saves for the Seahawks.
Both teams played to a virtual stalemate in the first half, as the two teams entered the break tied at 0-0.
In the 23rd minute,
Kayla Barbosa attempted a free kick that narrowly found its way into the goal but ricocheted off the post.
Fifteen minutes later, newcomer
Mia Tessier booted one on target but Rider's Ellie Sciancalepore was able to make the stop.
When play resumed for the second half, Wagner's offense didn't waste any time. Five minutes into the half, Carr set a low left shot that beat Sciancalepore to put the visitors ahead, 1-0.
Rider got on the board in the 55th as Makenzie Rodrigues was able to convert on the penalty shot, tying the game at 1-1.
The Seahawks offense continued to apply pressure and was rewarded.
Kayla Barbosa stepped up to take the corner kick and sent the feed deep in the box. White was able to put just enough to sneak one past the keeper as the visitors regained the lead, 2-1.
Carr was able to motor past her defender and found the right spot to record her second goal of the contest. Tessier was able to bring up the ball on the right side and cross it to Carr, who soared over her defender and head the ball in, giving the visitors a two goal lead.
Rider struck late, cutting the deficit to one, 3-2, as Chloe Fisher put one past Kelly in the 79th minute after getting the pass from Camryn Dees. The Seahawks didn't allow the Broncs to organize and setup a potential game-tying score, as the stifling defense didn't allow a shot for the remainder of the contest.
Wagner is scheduled to host UMBC at Hameline Field on Sunday, August 22. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m.
