OLD WESTBURY, N.Y. – The University of New Haven women's soccer team began its 2014 campaign on Thursday afternoon with a 2-1 victory at the New York Institute of Technology. Sierra Stein (Sherman, Conn./Immaculate) and Danielle Widmann (East Meadow, N.Y./East Meadow) each scored first-half goals in the non-conference triumph.
 
The win marks the fourth consecutive season that the Chargers begin a campaign at 1-0-0. New Haven opened 2013 with a program-record eight-match unbeaten streak (5-0-3).
 
Stein's goal – the second of her career – came in the 23rd minute. The sophomore sailed a 20-yard chip over the head of Bears' goalkeeper Brianna Bollettieri to stake the Blue and Gold to a 1-0 advantage.
 
New Haven tacked one on before the intermission on Widmann's first career marker as her blast from outside the box beat Bollettieri to her left and found the back of the net in the 37th minute.
 
NYIT disrupted the clean sheet in the 81st minute with an unassisted goal from Taylor Casey.
 
Natasha Purchla (Oakdale, N.Y./Connetquot) went the distance and made three saves to record the win between the posts.
 
The Chargers remain on the road to continue their non-conference schedule this Saturday, Sept. 6, at Georgian Court. New Haven takes the pitch at Kayo Field for the first time on Wednesday, Sept. 10 for a 4 p.m. visit from Dowling.