Utica, NY – The Utica College women's soccer team faces off against DeSales University on Saturday at home. The game is set to begin at 7 p.m. at Charles A. Gaetano Stadium.
 
Last Time Out: The Pioneers fell to SUNY Poly, 1-0, in their last contest. The Wildcats were able to score near the end of the first half on a free kick for the only goal in the game. UC outshot the visiting team 13-4, but could not find the back of the net. The loss drops the team's record to 0-2-1 so far this season.
 
Looking to Score: Utica is still looking for its first goal of the season, heading into its fourth contest. However, the Pioneers have tallied more shots than their opponents in two of the first three games. The team was able to place seven of its 14 shots on goal in the loss to Keuka, while the Wolfpack only fired two shots on goal. Against SUNY Poly, UC put seven shots on goal compared to the opponents three. Even though the shot numbers favor the orange and blue, the team is still chasing its first goal of the year.
 
Conference Rankings: After the first three games of the season Abby Reilly (Brookfield, NY/Brookfield) is ranked eighth in the Empire 8 in total shots taken with nine. Allison Wagner (Canandaigua, NY/Canandaigua Academy) is currently second in the conference with 18 saves and owns a saves percentage of .900, which is good for fourth in the E8. Wagner is also third in the conference with her saves per game average of six.
 
Scouting DeSales: The Bulldogs are currently sitting at a record of 3-0 to start the season. In its last contest, the team defeated Albright College by a score of 4-1. DeSales is led by senior forward, Angelica Bertola, who is currently leading the nation in goals scored so far this season with eight. Bertola has already netted two hat tricks this season. Teammate Rachel Medlar leads the team and is second in the nation with six assists. Haley Jacobs is the top goalkeeper on the team with three saves on the season to go with one shutout.
 
Against DeSales: In last year's meeting between UC and DeSales, the Bulldogs came away with the 7-0 victory. Jess Wetherhold led DeSales with two goals and one assist in the contest. Utica goalkeeper Allison Wagner (Canandaigua, NY/Canandaigua Academy) made four saves in the game. Saturday's matchup will be just the second time these two teams have faced off in the past ten years.
 
Looking Ahead: On Tuesday, September 12^th, the Pioneers will be on the road for their matchup against Morrisville State College (0-2). This non-conference contest is set to kickoff at 7 p.m.