GAME DAY INFORMATION |
DATE: September 2-5, 2021
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LOCATION: Kathy Zolad Stadium
West Haven, Conn. |
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GAME DAY LINKS |
LIVE STATS | LIVE VIDEO |
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THE LEAD
The University of New Haven Women's soccer team is set to premiere its season at home in a two-game set, better known as the 2021 Opening Weekend Tournament. This tournament will feature two non-conference matchups: Post University Eagles and Georgian Court Lions. Kathy Zolad Stadium will host both games, starting off Thursday, September 2nd (5:00 p.m.) the Chargers will face the Eagles, and wrap-up on Sunday, September 5th (4:00 p.m.) against the Lions. This will be the 28th season in program history, since the 2020 season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
SERIES HISTORY VS POST UNIVERSITY
The first ever matchup between New Haven and Post University dates all the way back to September of 1995, when the Chargers outscored the Eagles 8-1. The Eagles have experienced a loss every time they met the Chargers on the field, with the exception of two double overtime draws, one at the start of the season in 2019 and the other back in 2002. The 1-1 draw that opened the 2019 season was the last time these two teams met. Mackenzie Myers (Williamstown, N.J./Williamstown), who was a sophomore at the time, scored the lone goal for the Chargers. In total these two have met 15 times, with the Chargers averaging 4.73 goals per game. The Post University Eagles were ranked ninth in the CACC (Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference) Preseason Coaches' Poll for this upcoming season.
SERIES HISTORY VS GEORGIAN COURT UNIVERSITY
The history between Georgian Court and New Haven only goes back twelve years with the Chargers getting a leg up on the Lions starting their relationship with a 4-0 shutout at home. However, the last time these two met on neutral territory, it was the Chargers returning home without a win. The Chargers allowed three goals to score that game, one of which was by midfielder Erin Wimmer, who still remains on the Lions. Overall New Haven is 6-2 when facing the Lions, in addition the Chargers are undefeated at home. Georgian Court ranks third in the CACC Preseason Coaches' Poll for the 2021 season, and is lead by head coach James Moore who is entering his 17th season.
SCOUTING THE CHARGERS (0-0, 0-0, NE10)
In the 2019 season, the Chargers finished 4-11-2 overall and earned three conference wins. They have five returning players who are starting their senior stint. On top of that is goalkeeper Paige Davis (Wilkes-Barre, Pa./Coughlin), who is returning to use the year of eligibility she gained from the COVID-19 pandemic. In her 2019 season she led the Northeast-10 conference with 128 saves in 1,570 minutes of playing time. Myers still remains a Charger and is going on her senior season also. She will be a key asset to the team, last season she finished second on the team in scoring with five goals and three assists. The Chargers have eight freshmen joining them, and are coached by Laura Duncan, who is returning for her 11th season.
SCOUTING THE EAGLES (0-0, 0-0, CACC)
Last season, which happened to be the 2019 season due to COVID-19 cancelling reservations for last years fall sports, the Post University Eagles finished 7-8-3 overall. Their final run was a 0-2 loss to Caldwell University in the initial round of the CACC Tournament. Overall, the team managed to put 26 goals through the net in total last season, but only offering 203 total shots, which is less than the total shots of their opponents from that season, 272. However backing the Eagles up defensively is fifth year goalkeeper, Imelda Lazaro. In the quarterfinal loss to Caldwell last season, she achieved a season-high of six saves, and another two saves in the upset win over No. 5 SCSU.
SCOUTING THE LIONS (0-0, 0-0, CACC)
In lieu of the 2020 fall season being a bust, Georgian Court attempted to execute a shortened spring season. This plan consisted of seven games, however, only four were played. In those four games the Lions concluded with a split 2-2 record with defeats over Chestnut Hill College and Felician University. In the 4-0 shutout over Felician, Krystal Hund performed a hat trick to solidify that split record. The senior forward shot 0.765 on goal in the full-length 2019 season, making her an offensive liability for the Chargers and other teams in this weekends showcase.
UP NEXT
New Haven will welcome another non-conference opponent Wednesday, the Bloomfield Bears. Kick off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at the Kathy Zolad Stadium on September 8th. The game will be broadcasted live on the Charger Sports Network on NE10 NOW. Live stats will also be available via NewHavenChargers.com.
