ASTON, Pa. – The Neumann University Women's Soccer team took their first win of the season on Tuesday evening as they defeated Goucher College, 3-0, in non-conference action.
Ava Stokes led the way with two goals on six shots, three on goal.
Julianna Hatt added three shots, all on goal, putting up a goal and an assist.
Kiki Soto earned her third career individual shutout with six saves.
Neumann, excited to play in front of their home fans, got the offense started early as they forced two quick saves in the ninth minute on shots by
Marisa Nicolucci and
Ebony Arvelo. Only three minutes later, the Knights got on the scoreboard. Hatt slipped a cross into the box intended for Arvelo. Arvelo let it go through to Stokes who banked it off the goalie and in. The Gopher attempted a response a couple minutes later, but Soto made a diving stop to her right. In the 19
th minute, the Knights doubled their lead when the ball was popped inside the box and headed down by
Delaney Babish. Stokes found it and tucked it under the bar for the goal.
The Knights continued to control play as, just 16 seconds into the second half,
Audrey Duffield sent a through-ball that deflected to Arvelo. Arvelo's cross landed at the feet of Hatt who sent it in for the 3-0 lead. With 25 minutes left, Goucher gathered some possession in the Neumann defensive end. Only two lunging saves by Soto kept the Gophers off the scoreboard.
Next up for the Knights, they'll visit Muhlenberg College on Friday afternoon for a 4:00 PM start.
