Arlington, VA - On Saturday afternoon, Cabrini Women's Soccer secured a 2-0 victory over the Saints of Marymount University.
Twelve minutes into play, Cabrini got on the board. As
Amanda Elwell received a cross behind her from the left side, she attempted to chip the ball over the oncoming goalkeeper. While Elwell's left footed hit went over the crossbar, she had her legs taken out from under her on the play, awarding a Cavalier penalty kick.
Rebekah Cunningham stepped forward to attempt the PK before using her instep to freeze the Saint's keeper and score the match's opening goal.
Toward the end of half number one,
Caroline Hassall made her first of two great saves. Hassall denied a shot point-blank to keep Marymount scoreless.
Despite getting outshot 10-1 in the opening period, Cabrini carried a 1-0 lead into the break.
In the second frame, the Cavaliers added their second goal. After a Marymount punt reached midfield,
Rebekah Cunningham won possession and initiated Cabrini's attack.
Rylie Butler and
Maggie McCay then exchanged passes to advance upfield. As a cross from McCay intended for
Gabby Palladino was knocked away,
Rylie Butler settled the mini clear and promptly stepped into a right footed shot. Her strike evaded three oncoming defenders, cleared the opposing goalkeeper, hit the inside of the far post, and fell into Marymount's goal. Butler's incredible shot put the Cavaliers ahead 2-0.
In her season debut after returning from injury,
Lexi Chiarlone made a critical play. Late in the contest, she cleared a ball off the goalline to keep the Saints scoreless.
Cabrini fended off three shots in the last 15 minutes, preserving the win and earning their fifth clean sheet through ten games.
Commenting on Cabrini's performance, Coach
Ken Prothero is glad to see the team play up to their ability. "Another tough opponent this afternoon, but we played more of our brand of soccer today. It was great to see the team make adjustments from our previous match. Every AEC game and goal is vital. We were 1-0 today and now our focus is on Neumann next Wednesday."
The Cavs will travel to face Neumann University on Wednesday, 10/11 at 4pm.
