MADISON, N.J. – Women's soccer outshot the NYU Violets in the first half, entering the break in a 0-0 stalemate, but two second half goals proved to be the difference as the four-seed Pioneers (9-9-1) bowed out of the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference (ECAC) Tournament after a 2-0 loss to top-seeded NYU (11-5-3) in the first round of Pod 2 play Nov. 11 at host FDU-Florham.
Both of NYU's scores were provided by sophomore forward Alex Benedict, finding the back of the net in the 54th and 61st minute. Benedict didn't need an assist on her first score, finding room underneath the crossbar for the 1-0 lead. Just over seven minutes later, Benedict put a shot into the upper-left corner for the 2-0 lead.
Senior goalkeeper
Angela Sandelli (Landing, N.J./Roxbury) and the Pioneer defense helped WP stay stride-for-stride with the Violets in the first half. Sandelli made six stops, including a diving save in the 27th minute and a leaping stop in the 45th minute.
The Pioneer offense was without All-New Jersey Athletic Conference First-Team honoree
Marisa Adelman (Branchburg, N.J./Somerville) due to injury, but they were not without scoring opportunities, taking nine shots, the best of which came in the first half.
Sophomore midfielder
Kristen Bowe (Rockaway, N.J./Morris Knolls) was aggressive from the opening whistle forward, nearly putting WP up 1-0 in the third minute after sailing a shot high of the mark. Bowe tested goal again in the 38th minute, putting a header on the mark that was thwarted by sophomore goalkeeper Sophia Danielsen who finished with four stops. Bowe finished four shots, tying for a game high. Sophomore back Ashely Cozzi also put a shot on goal, as did sophomore midfielder
Lorraine Moffitt (Paramus, N.J./Paramus), threatening in the 20th minute.
This was the sixth time WP appeared in the ECAC Tournament, having its all-time record in the tournament move to 4-5 as the Pioneers closed out postseason play against NYU for the second-straight year.
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