Utica, NY - The Utica University women's soccer team earned its first victory on home turf, defeating SUNY Canton in a one-sided matchup. The Pioneers controlled the game for all 90 minutes, creating countless opportunities and stifling the 'Roos offense by winning the midfield battle. An explosive attack and solid defensive effort combined for a resounding 9-0 victory. The win would extend Utica's all-time unbeaten record vs Canton to 5-0.
Sophomore stars Adrianna Calabria (Cicero, NY/Cicero-North Syracuse) and Ella Dischiavo (Utica, NY/Sauquoit Valley) powered the Pioneers' attack, each scoring twice. Both players secured career-best point-scoring afternoons in a dominant attacking effort. In net, Emily Duro (Wappinger Falls, NY/Roy C. Ketcham) continued her strong start to the season, recording her second consecutive shutout. Forwards Bailey Hewson (Plattsburgh, NY/Plattsburgh) and Madison Wagner (Saukville, WI/Divine Savior Holy Angels) also combined for four points, registering a goal and an assist each to round out the team's point leaders.
Utica started the game firing on all cylinders, opening the match with a beautiful team goal scored by Wagner, assisted by Lily Martin (Poland, NY/Poland), who made an impressive cross following a passing sequence starting from the back. Utica displayed impressive soccer, playing with high energy on and off the ball, leading to the second goal, scored by Hewson, who tapped in after Dischiavo's shot ringed off the post. The Pioneers took control of the midfield, dictating the flow of momentum leading up to Dischiavo's first goal of the game. A stunning effort from just inside the 18-yard box. Hungry for more goals, the hosts played on the break, running at the Canton back line, forcing mistakes and turnovers at the back. Junior Ayla Flockton (Plymouth, MA/Plymouth North) bagged the fourth goal after a chaotic sequence in the box, capping off a commanding first half of action from the Pioneers.
The Pioneers wasted little time to start the second half, scoring the fifth goal three minutes in. Another passage of play through the middle saw Krista Panko (Ilion, NY/Central Valley Academy) send Wagner in on goal, who unselfishly set up Dischiavo with a squared pass across the keeper. A spell of possession from Canton slowed the pace of play, forcing the Pioneers to remain patient defensively. Utica found their sixth goal an hour into the game from a throw-in. Calabria got on the ball and sent a cross into the box looking for the head of her teammate, but the ball went untouched through the box and past the Canton keeper. With everything going right for the hosts, Calabria struck again five minutes later from the penalty spot. A series of substitutions provided opportunities for sophomore Sydney Rochefort (Massena, NY/Massena Central) and junior transfer Abigail Jalocha (Maspeth, NY/Monsignior McClancy Memorial), who each scored their first goals as Pioneers to cap the statement 9-0 victory.
After two difficult matches to start the season, Head Coach Barbuto's team secured a well-deserved victory to end the first week of the 2026 season. The victory marked Utica's second straight shutout and gave the team a chance to see its hard work pay off after a demanding opening week. With points coming from across the team and the defense remaining solid, the Pioneers closed out the week with plenty of positives to build on moving forward.
The Pioneers move to 1-1-1 overall (0-0 Empire 8) and return to action on Tuesday, September 15, when they host SUNY Morrisville at Laura M. Casamento Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 PM
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