San Diego, Calif. — Sacred Heart University women's soccer had its chances but could not find the back of the net, dropping its season-opening match to San Diego State University, 2-0, on Thursday night. The Pioneers drop to 0-1-0 while SDSU earns its first win of the season to move to 1-0-0.
 
After a contentious first 15 minutes, the Pioneers accumulated a few chances in the opposing third but could not capitalize on their opportunities. Against the run of play, the Aztecs found themselves with numbers forward and opened the scoring on the counterattack, taking an early 1-0 lead. SHU would claw back into the half ultimately evening possession but would end the first 45 minutes down 1-0. 
 
The Red and White came storming out of the break with a flurry of quick chances but could not solve SDSU goalkeeper Alexa Madueno. After two quick Pioneer corners that went awry, the Aztecs reclaimed possession in the attacking third and doubled the lead after a Pioneer defensive miscue. SHU would continue to challenge the hosts throughout the second half but could not find the elusive first goal as SDSU grinded out the 2-0 victory. 
 
Top Performers:

• Kyran Thievon (SHU): 7 saves
• Lindsay McShea (SHU): 3 shots, 2 shots on target
• Morgan Bovardi (SHU): 3 shots, 1 on target

 
Of Note:

• Nine Pioneers made their collegiate debuts including eight members of SHU's first-year contingency.
• Three Pioneers made their first collegiate starts as Kyran Thievon earned the start in goal while Lindsay McShea started at forward for the Red and White. Sophomore Madison Wisheart made her first start for the Pios after 14 appearances last season off the bench. 
• Thievon's seven saves is the most by a Pioneer in their collegiate debut since September 7, 2018, with Angela DiFazio's seven-save debut against Columbia. 
• McShea's two shots on goal are the most by a Pioneer first-year in their debut since Morgan Bovardi's two shots on goal against Vermont in the 2022 season opener.
• Forwards Grace O'Hara and Shea Kelleher also finished the night with one shot on goal each.

 
Scoring Summary: 
15' – San Diego State found the ball in the middle of the field and quickly drove into the attacking third. Emma Gaines-Ramos' pass found the foot of Olivia Sekimoto whose shot from just outside the penalty area deflected off the left hand of Thievon and into the bottom right corner of the goal. 
 
60' – Against the run of play, the Aztecs found themselves with possession in the attacking third. SDSU crossed the ball into the penalty area that beat Thievon, who came out to challenge inside the six-yard box, and found the foot of Denise Castro who slotted the ball into the net.
 
Up Next: 
The Pioneers conclude their California road trip with a meeting against Cal-San Diego on Sunday, August 20 at the Triton Soccer Stadium with kickoff slated for 2 p.m. (PT)/5 p.m. (ET). Live statistics will be available at Sacredheartpioneers.com while streaming is available on ESPN+.