FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Senior forward
Morgan Bovardi set Sacred Heart University women's soccer history on Wednesday evening, as she broke the program's goal-scoring record in the second half. Bovardi's goal
propelled the Pioneers to a 2-0 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) win over Merrimack at Park Ave Field.
Records:
Sacred Heart: (7-5-1, 6-2 MAAC)
Merrimack: (4-7-2, 3-4 MAAC)
Top Performers:
Morgan Bovardi: 6 shots | 3 shots on goal | 1 goal
Shea Kelleher: 7 shots | 3 shots on goal | 1 goal
Laruen Roeder: 1 assist
Lindsay McShea: 1 assist
Between the Pipes:
Sacred Heart:
Kyran Thievon: (W 7-4-1) 0 goals against | 2 saves
Merrimack: Addison Israel: 2 goals against | 10 saves
How it Happened:
- In the first half, it seemed like both teams were one step away. The play featured pushes on both sides of the ball, but good defense and goalkeeping kept the game scoreless through the first 45.
- The second half is where the Pioneers took control. Sacred Heart applied pressure from the start, creating multiple scoring chances and keeping the ball on Merrimack's side. The Pios racked up 11 shots and seven corners in the second half alone, and it felt like a breakthrough was coming.
- Finally, in the 80th minute, Bovardi scored her 27th career goal off a Lauren Roeder assist to not only break a 0-0 tie but also become Sacred Heart's all-time goal scorer. This record Bovardi broke was held for over 20 years.
- Just five minutes later, Shea Kelleher found the back of the net off a Lindsay McShea assist to double the lead and seal the 2-0 victory for the Pioneers.
Of Note:
- Bovardi scored her 27th career goal, making her the all-time leading goal scorer in Sacred Heart University women's soccer's history
- Bovardi leads the MAAC in conference goals with eight
- Kelleher, who is among the leaders in goals and points in the MAAC, scored her seventh goal of the season
- Kyran Thievon tallied her fifth clean sheet of the season
- The Pioneers have won their fourth straight game for the first time since 2022, also tying the record for most consecutive wins
- The Pioneers are now first in the MAAC standings after a Quinnipiac draw
Up Next: The Pioneers are back in action on Saturday, October 11
th, as they take on Niagara on the road, continuing their MAAC play.