HAMDEN, Conn. — Kyran Thievon's eight saves provided defensive support, but two quickfire goals spoiled the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) opener for the Sacred Heart University women's soccer team as the Pios fell to in-state rivals Quinnipiac, 2-0, on Saturday afternoon.
The Bobcats jumped on the front foot in the early going of the contest, finding the game-opening goal within the first four minutes as Morgan Cupo connected to put the hosts ahead. After an Ella Gagno shot from just inside the penalty area bounced off Cupo in front, Cupo sent a right-footed shot past SHU goalkeeper
Kyran Thievon and inside the near post to give QU a 1-0 lead.
Sensing blood in the water, QU continued to pressure the Pios in the attacking third, sending wave after wave of efforts near the SHU backline. However, the Pios continued to find solutions to dispel all efforts on frame from the hosts with Thievon making three saves in the first 30 minutes to keep SHU within one goal.
Later in the half, the Pios mustered their best opportunity of the first 45 as
Shea Kelleher connected on a scintillating cross from
Morgan Bovardi but could not direct it on frame, sending the shot just past the far corner as the Bobcats held on to their one-goal lead into the halftime break.
Following the 15-minute hiatus, and with weather approaching up the I-95 Corridor, the hosts sought to dispel any chance of the Pios finding the equalizing goal, putting another goal on the scoreboard just 16 seconds into the second half as Courtney Chocol sent a low shot into the left portion of the SHU goal to double the lead, 2-0.
Though SHU continued to battle, it was a defensive effort for the majority of the second half with Thievon making five saves in the final 45 minutes in her return between the sticks as the Bobcats spoiled the Pios' thoughts of a conference-debut victory via a 2-0 scoreline.
Top Performers:
Of Note:
- Thievon's eight saves is a new career, single-game high for the sophomore goalkeeper. Her previous record of seven saves in a match was set twice last season against San Diego State and UC-San Diego.
- Thievon also played the full 90 minutes for the first time this season after splitting time earlier in the campaign against La Salle and Navy.
Up Next:
The Pioneers return to non-conference action next weekend, hosting the Vermont Catamounts on Wednesday, September 11 for its Pediatric Cancer Awareness Match in partnership with Avery's Little Army. Kickoff from Park Ave Field is scheduled for 6 p.m. More information on the match and links to donate can be found on SHU women's soccer social media and at sacredheartpioneers.com.
