FAIRFIELD, Conn.— The Sacred Heart University women's soccer team fought hard but could not overcome an early second-half deficit, falling to FDU 1-0 on Thursday night.
In a rematch of last season's NEC Championship match, both teams looked to set the tone early but could not find a solution as both goalkeepers stymied any attempts on goal in the first frame. The Pioneers led the first half shot margin, 7-5, but were less clinical as the visitors had forced first year goalkeeper
Kyran Thievon into four saves at the end of the half.
The second half would be the difference with FDU getting its best chance of the night on the counterattack. The Knights found space inside the Pioneers defending third and earned a free kick just outside the SHU penalty area. FDU's Ana Salas stepped up for the free kick and wired a left-footed shot that beat the wall and the outstretched hand of Thievon into the corner of the goal to give the Knights a 1-0 lead.
The second half continued to be contentious as both teams pushed for the next goal of the match with the fouls and free kicks racking up for both sides. The Pios had their chances in the final third, including outnumbering the visitors in corners, 8-1, but could not capitalize as the Red & White fell for the first time at home this season, 1-0.
Top Performers:
Of Note:
- First year goalkeeper Kyran Thievon earned the start after coming off the bench against Delaware State. Thievon has now started seven of the Pios' 10 matches this season.
- Defenders Theanna Burnett and Alexis Sickler played the full match for the Pioneers, which is the first time Burnett has played the full 90 minutes this season while Sickler has eclipsed the mark three times in 2023.
- Seven players have now started every match this year for the Pios including first year defender Lindsay McShea who leads all first years in minutes played.
Up Next:
The Pioneers return home next week on Thursday, September 28, for youth night at Park Ave Field against Long Island University with kickoff slated for 7 p.m. Livestream and live stats information will be available at sacredheartpioneers.com.
