WEST HAVEN, Conn. — The Wagner College women's soccer team clinched a spot in the NEC Tournament for the third consecutive season and the fifth time in program history, following an 8–0 victory over New Haven on a rainy Thursday night at Kathy Zolad Stadium.
With the win, the Seahawks improved to 8–2–6 overall and 7–1–2 in NEC play, while the Chargers fell to 0–14–1 (0–9–1 NEC).
Wagner exploded for seven goals in the first half, with six different players finding the back of the net. Sophomore
Kelly Gallagher opened the scoring in the 4th minute off a feed from junior
Alana Goldsmith. Less than eight minutes later, freshman
Riley Frederick doubled the lead before senior
Izzy Gomez struck twice in a 10-minute span to make it 4–0.
Goldsmith added her own goal in the 32nd minute, assisted by Frederick, before sophomores
Deirdre Meberg and
Megan Knapp each scored to cap off a remarkable first half.
In the second half, sophomore
Kara Kilpert found the back of the net in the 79th minute to seal the 8–0 victory.
Frederick led the attack with one goal and two assists, while sophomore
Anayah Rivera recorded a pair of helpers. Gomez finished with two goals, and Goldsmith contributed a goal and an assist.
The Seahawks outshot the Chargers 25–13, including an 18–6 advantage in shots on target, while also earning eight corner kicks. Sophomore goalkeeper
Abigail Marcello made six saves to collect her second consecutive shutout.
Wagner is set to host LIU on Sunday, November 2, for its regular-season finale on Hameline Field at 1:00 p.m. Ahead of the NEC Tournament, the Seahawks sit tied for second in the conference with Howard, which holds the tiebreaker after defeating Wagner earlier in the season.
The NEC Tournament semifinals will begin on Thursday, November 6, followed by the championship match on Sunday, November 9. All contests will be played at the higher-seeded team's turf.