Utica, NY – The Utica College women's soccer team will be on the road Tuesday, for a matchup against Morrisville State. This non-conference battle is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.
Last Time Out: In UC's last contest, the team defeated DeSales University at home for its first win of the season. Heading into the game, the Bulldogs were averaging over six goals per game, while Utica had yet to record a single goal. The Pioneers came away with the 1-0 victory after
Amanda Thut (Carmel, NY/Carmel) scored the first collegiate goal of her career.
Allison Wagner (Canandaigua, NY/Canandaigua Academy) earned the shutout in net to go along with her season high 18 saves. The win improved UC's record to 1-2-1 on the year.
Young Defense: The Pioneer defense has performed well this season, surrendering only two goals through the first four games. The starting defensive group for the team consists of four freshman defenders and a sophomore goalkeeper. Headlined by second-year goalie
Allison Wagner (Canandaigua, NY/Canandaigua Academy), the starting defense includes:
Amanda Thut (Carmel, NY/Carmel),
Summer Gagnon (Manchester, NH/Manchester),
Carly Craft (Ellenville, NY/Ellenville), and
Emma Workman (Salt Lake City, UT/East). With two shutouts already, it will be interesting to see if this young defense can continue its strong play.
Conference Rankings: UC is currently tied for second in the Empire 8 with a goals allowed average of .50 per game. The team has only given up two goals so far, which is tied for first in the E8 for least goals allowed.
Allison Wagner (Canandaigua, NY/Canandaigua Academy) is second in total saves, with 36, and leads the conference with a saves percentage of .947. Wagner is in a first place tie, within the E8, with two shutouts and owns the second best saves per game average of nine so far this season.
Scouting Morrisville: The Mustangs a sitting at a record of 0-3, heading into Tuesday's game. The team lost its most recent contest to SUNY Cortland, by a score of 6-0. Morrisville has struggled so far this season, giving up a total of 16 goals without scoring one of its own. Starting goalkeeper Brianna Sorriento has made 29 saves and owns a saves percentage of .659. This will be the first time the Pioneers and Mustangs have matched up in over 15 years.
Looking Ahead: The Pioneers will be on the road for their next matchup against the SUNY Potsdam Bears. The game is scheduled for Friday, beginning at 4 p.m.
