Radnor, PA - On Saturday afternoon, Cabrini Women's Soccer hosted the Mighty Macs of Immaculata University. Prior to the match, Cabrini recognized the six graduating members of the Women's Soccer team:
Lexi Chiarlone,
Makalia Ley,
Amanda Elwell,
Paige Bowman,
Ella Marrollo, and
Maggie McCay.
First Half Action
Cabrini put plenty of pressure on Immaculata from the jump. Early in the match,
Amanda Elwell tee'd up a free kick for a shot on goal. While Elwell's attempt was placed near-perfectly upper-ninety, the Mighty Macs' goalkeeper fended the try with a punchout off the crossbar.
Minutes later,
Gabby Palladino froze a group of nearby defenders with a series of sharp inside touches. Palladino's quick change of direction created enough separation for a 20 yard try, but her left-footed strike narrowly missed the goal frame.
Fifteen minutes into the match, Immaculata threatened to score, as the Macs got a pass through the teeth of Cabrini's defense.
Sam Hurban halted the chance, as she worked back to clear the ball before the oncoming forward could receive it.
Midway through the opening period, Cabrini scored the game's opening goal. From midfield,
Gabby Palladino played over the top to
Amanda Elwell on the far side. Elwell's eventual shot was deflected out, awarding a Cabrini corner.
Amanda Elwell sent the corner to the far post, where it was met by
Rebekah Cunningham. Cunningham's header entered the net after one powerful bounce off the turf.
Cabrini extended their early advantage in the 32nd minute. The play began with
Paige Bowman winning possession in the midfield, splitting two defenders, then laying a pass ahead for
Gabby Palladino. Palladino lined up her strides to meet the ball with a one-timer, which she placed far post and in. The goal gave the Cavaliers a 2-0 lead that they'd carry into halftime.
Second Half Action
The Cavaliers capped off the afternoon with a third goal. As
Erin Ewing settled the ball in the midfield, she passed forward to
Paige Bowman. Bowman received on the run, getting a step past the Immaculata's back line before setting up a right-footed attempt. Her shot beat the Mac's keeper, struck the far post, then teetered across the face of the goal before settling into the near post's webbing.
Immaculata showed tremendous fight after the break, recording six shots in the second frame. In the end, it was the Cavaliers' offensive zest and collective defensive effort that led to the positive game result.
A delighted
Ken Prothero lauded the team's performance, saying "A 3-0 victory with a total team effort is the best way to celebrate our seniors. I am thankful and lucky to have coached this group. Our offense really picked it up this afternoon and put pressure on them for most of the match. Our defense came up big when it had to for our seventh shutout. Can't wait for the playoffs!"
Upcoming
Cabrini completes their regular season at home against Penn State Abington on Tuesday, October 24th. The non-conference game aims to promote the importance of mental health awareness.