WEST HAVEN, Conn. – Following their road stand, the University of New Haven Women's Soccer team returned home for their favorite matchup of the year as the Chargers took on their cross town rivals Southern Connecticut State University in the Elm City Derby as the blue and gold looked to pick up a big conference win and a win over their rivals.
The opening ten minutes proved the intensity of the rivalry as both teams went all out from kickoff as it was the Owls playing direct and going right at the back line of the Chargers. The Owls would score the opening goal of the match off a corner. That lead would not hold as the Chargers attack would jump out off the kick off and Vickie Fleming (Burlington, Conn./Lewis Mills) went down the field and keeping a play alive earned herself a penalty looking to equalize. Fleming after earning the penalty got to take it herself and di not hesitate burying the shot in the back of the net beating the Owls keeper and leveling the match at 1-1. Before the first ten would finish the Owls would earn a penalty of their own beating Caitlin Daley (Norwich, Conn./Norwich Free Academy) and making it 2-1 through ten minutes of actions. The Chargers behind began to mount a comeback that saw a lot of action for their outside backs especially Alida Bates (Danville, N.H./Timberlane Regional) on the right side defending the Owls attack and leading the counter attack. Going into the half New Haven trailed but were beginning to build their momentum and take control the possession. Coming out of the half New Haven came out strong working through the channel and getting Bates attacking on the wing swinging in crosses one that Angelina Schilling (Sewell, N.J./Deptford Township) put off the crossbar. New Haven continued to control, but a late Owl counter saw them find the back of the net and make it 3-1 late which would hold for teh final. Daley in net finished with three saves on six shots by the Owls as New Haven totaled 18 shots, four on net in the match.
The home stand continues for the Chargers after an extended break as they return to Kathy Zolad Stadium on Wednesday October 11 when they take on the Lions of Molloy with kick off scheduled for 4:00 pm. All updates, schedules, and post-game recaps for the team will be available at Newhavenchargers.com.
