WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Sacred Heart University women's soccer team completed its two-game road set in the Chesapeake Bay area, battling hard against RV Georgetown on a scorching afternoon in the nation's capital before falling to the Hoyas, 2-0.
In a dominant first half from the hosts, it was the SHU defense that stole the show in the early going, following a "bend but don't break" attitude through the first 45 minutes. In the sweltering Chesapeake Bay sun, both teams looked to exploit the early season fatigue with the hosts providing much of the offensive action.
Early on, the Pioneer defense was under siege, quickly forcing goalkeeper
Casey Mulligan – who was making her first career start – to take command of the backline. With the Hoyas attempting to make their way through SHU lines along the flanks, the astounding defending from all 11 players donning the red & white provided enough support to negate the few clear chances for hosts.
Mulligan was called to action early, as a few wavering shots from the home side in the first 15 minutes glanced off the bar and nearly over the end line. However, the SHU defense was able to negate any chance of a rebound opportunity on both occasions. The first year netminder provided the most dazzling of her three first half saves on a low stinger that was labelled for the far post but was parried by Mulligan's right hand and ushered wide.
The Pios, albeit hemmed, kept the hosts at bay for the final few moments of the half. Though the Hoyas amassed 12 shots through the first 45 minutes, SHU kept the chances at a minimum as both sides went into the break deadlocked at zero.
Following the break, the Pios threatened in the early moments before the home side eventually found the breakthrough inside the 49
th minute. Following a SHU possession that was thwarted at the halfway line, the Hoyas broke through the defense as a pass from Lizzie Heller found the foot of Maja Lardner who slotted a low shot past Mulligan to take the 1-0 lead. Moments later, following a quick restart off a throw in, the Hoyas doubled the lead as Lardner earned the brace with a low shot that bounced past the SHU keeper.
The Pios continued to press for a tally for the remainder of the match, giving the Hoyas pause in instances but could not find a way to muster a shot on frame. On the defensive end, the Pios kept the remainder of chances for the home side at a premium as Mulligan was called into action on six more occasions, making the stop every time to keep the final scoreline, 2-0.
Top Performers:
Of Note:
- Mulligan's 11 saves are the most saves in a game by a SHU goalkeeper since Elyssa Kipperman saved 13 shots in the 2022 NEC Tournament Final against FDU. She also set a career, single game high in saves during the match.
Up Next:
The Pios return to the friendly confines of Park Ave Field following a brief hiatus, taking on the Bryant Bulldogs on Tuesday, September 3 for Student, Staff and Faculty Appreciation Day. Kickoff is slated for 3 p.m. More information can be found at sacredheartpioneers.com.
