The Pioneers Hang on to Beat the Chargers, 1-0

Thursday, August 27

Fairfield, CT

7:00 PM

Sacred Heart

4-0-0, 0-0-0

New Haven

0-3-1, 0-0-0

Team	1	2	Final F
New Haven	0	0	0
Sacred Heart	0	1	1

Photo by: Daniel Boye

The Pioneers Hang on to Beat the Chargers, 1-0

8/27/2026 10:43:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

This win makes it four straight to start the season

By: Joe Verrillo

FAIRFIELD, Conn. – The Sacred Heart University women's soccer team held on against the University of New Haven, 1-0. The Pioneers are still yet to be beaten, as they have started the 2026 campaign with four straight wins.

Top Performers:
Riley Pettigrew: 1 goal
Shea Kelleher: 10 shots | 6 shots on goal

Between the Pipes:
Sacred Heart: Kyran Thievon: 0 goals allowed | 0 saves | Casey Mulligan: (W 3-0-0) 0 goals allowed | 1 save
New Haven: Alexia-Mae Goodman: 1 goal allowed | 11 saves

How it Happened:
The Pioneers wasted no time pressuring the New Haven defense. Kelleher recorded Sacred Heart's first shot just 43 seconds into the contest, forcing a save from New Haven goalkeeper. Kelleher continued to create opportunities, registering three shots on goal within the opening nine minutes.

Sacred Heart continued to control possession and generate chances as the half progressed. Rylee McGee put an attempt on frame in the 25th minute before MacLaren Richards followed with a shot shortly after.

The Pioneers earned their best opportunity of the opening half in the 33rd minute when Kelleher stepped to the penalty spot. New Haven's goalkeeper was able to make the save, keeping the game scoreless.

Despite controlling much of the opening 45 minutes, the Pioneers entered halftime locked in a scoreless tie.

Sacred Heart picked up where it left off following the break, continuing to apply pressure. After earning back-to-back corner kicks in the 53rd minute, the Pioneers finally broke through.

In the 55th minute, Pettigrew found the back of the net to put Sacred Heart ahead, 1-0. The goal marked Pettigrew's third of the season and ultimately stood as the game-winner.

The Pioneers continued searching for an insurance goal after taking the lead. Kelleher forced another save in the 65th minute and continued to create opportunities around the New Haven box. She finished the night with a game-high 10 shots, including six on goal.

Sacred Heart's defense made sure Pettigrew's goal was all the Pioneers needed. Casey Mulligan, who entered in goal to begin the second half, made a save on New Haven's lone shot on target in the 62nd minute. The Chargers managed two late attempts in the final two minutes, but neither found the target as the Pioneers closed out the 1-0 victory.

Of Note:
The Pioneers had 21 shots compared to New Haven's five
The Pioneers had more corner kicks in this game alone, 10, than they did in the first three games combined
Pettigrew surpassed her 2025 goal total, 2, after tonight's goal to make it her third of the season

Up Next:
The Pioneers will be back in action this coming Sunday as they will look to stay undefeated as they host Hofstra. Kickoff is set for 12:00 PM.