Women’s soccer defeats Providence in season opener

Women’s soccer defeats Providence in season opener

By: Taylor Massey, QBSN Staff Writer

The Quinnipiac women’s soccer team came out on top in its season opening game against Big East competitor the Providence Friars. Junior Aine McKeever (Derry City, Ireland) scored the only goal of the game to give the Bobcats a 1-0 victory.

The first and only goal came just four minutes into play. Mckeever sent the ball into the bottom left corner of the net off a penalty kick that would eventually seal the win.

           

“I think the importance of the first goal is immense and nothing more so than with my own team,” said head coach Dave Clarke.

Netting the first goal of the game left the Bobcats to only worry about defending their lead. Providence fought back, but was unable to break the Bobcats strong defense and get the ball past goalkeeper Jill Kelley (Simsbury, Conn.).

Kelley fended off several Providence attacks for her first shutout of the season and 10^th of her career. In all today, Kelley made five saves between the posts. The rest of the Bobcats defense kept constant pressure on Providence throughout the game never showing any sign of fatigue. Their solid overall performance contributed greatly to their win today.

The Bobcats offense competed at an equally high level of intensity and barely missed a few opportunities to extend their lead. Christina Cesarini (Garden City, N.Y.) found a chance on a breakaway, but shot just wide of the net. Providence goalkeeper Jessica Goudreault made three saves to hold the Bobcats to their 1-0 lead.

The 25 women roster features nine returning seniors as well as five incoming freshman. Senior midfielder Shauna Edwards (Southington, Conn.) was a team leader in points last season after appearing in all 16 games for the Bobcats. She returns to the field this year with an experienced group of midfielders that could take the team far. It may be too early to tell what the new freshman will bring to the field, but they are fortunate to have a diverse and skilled team to build off of.

At the end of the day the win was a group effort, and no one knows that better than Mckeever who said, “It’s not all about my goal. I think the entire team should be over here chatting.”

Quinnipiac returns to action at their home field this Friday, Aug. 31. They take on Vermont in a non-conference game at 3 p.m.