Schenectady, N.Y. (September 11, 2024) – The Golden Bears traveled to New York for their fifth of five road games to start the season. They faced off with the Union College Garnet Chargers. The Golden Bears opened the scoring early. Liza Pinette scored in the 3rd minute to give the Golden Bears the early lead. Alayna Boileau then scored in the 16th minute to tie the game 1-1. Then, a goal from Gabby Sansone in the 30th minute allowed the Golden Bears to regain a 2-1 lead. However, an own goal from WNE in the 31st minute equalized the game at 2-2, and that is how the score would stay.

Records:

• Western New England: 2-0-3 (0-0-0)
• Union College: 2-1-1 (0-0-0)

How it Happened:

The women's soccer game kicked off with Molly McLaughlin in net for the Golden Bears and Maya Koster in net for the Garnet Chargers. The Garnet Chargers would begin the game with the ball, but the Golden Bears would be the first to score, and the goal arrived early in the game. The ball was passed from Emma French to Isabella Montalvo on the right corner of the goal. Montalvo sent a pass just past the goalie, and it found its way to Liza Pinette on the left corner of the goal, who calmly placed the ball in the back of the net to give the Golden Bears an early 1-0 lead. The game would go back and forth for a while before the Golden Bears had the next opportunity for a goal. Brynn Murphy sent a shot toward the top of the goal. However, Koster made the save. The Garnet Chargers would equalize the score after that. In the 16th minute, Taylor Bovardi found Alayna Boileau with a pass at the top of the penalty box. Boileau controlled the ball and then fired a shot across the face of the goal into the bottom right corner of the net, and the game was tied 1-1. Back-and-forth action ensued, with both teams moving the ball downfield, but neither was able to find a shot or a goal. That was the case until Lynzie Bailey sent a pass from the end line back to Emma Withington on the right side of the field. Withington crossed the ball right to Gabby Sansone, who deflected it with the right foot into the back of the net to give the Golden Bears the lead back in the 26th minute. The teams would trade possession after that, with the Golden Bears looking to double their lead. However, after the ball was sent toward the Golden Bears' net, the ball was played by a Golden Bear defender and, unfortunately, found the back of the WNE net. The own goal from WNE equalized the score at 2-2 in the 31st minute. The Golden Bears answered with pressure. It started with a Montalvo shot that Koster had to save in the bottom right corner of the net. They would keep the pressure up until the Garnet Chargers responded with a shot in the 36th minute, which McLaughlin had to save in the top left corner of the goal. The Golden Bears would end the half with another shot on goal. This one was taken by Stephanie McKenna. However, Koster made the save in the middle of the goal. The first half ended with the Golden Bears and Garnet Chargers tied at 2-2. The stat line at halftime showed the Golden Bears leading in shots 5-3, shots on goal 5-2, and fouls 3-2. The Garnet Chargers led in saves 3-1 and corner kicks 1-0.

The second half started with the Golden Bears in possession of the ball. However, it was the Garnet Chargers with the first shot of the half. Sam Friedman sent a shot at goal, which McLaughlin had to save. Keara Conroy answered with a shot on goal in the 56th minute. Koster made the save in the lower left corner of the goal. The Golden Bears were gaining momentum through a shot on goal and a corner kick. However, the Garnet Chargers stood strong. Both teams were fighting to gain the lead with one more shot on goal. However, nothing would happen until the 77th minute, when the Golden Bears had a shot go wide of the net. Then, in the 83rd minute, Emma Withington went for goal. However, Koster was there to make the save once again. The final shot of the game was from Taylor Bovardi, who tried to give the Garnet Chargers the win in the 89th minute. However, McLaughlin was able to make the save in the center of the goal, and the game ended with the teams tied 2-2. The final stats showed the Golden Bears leading in shots 8-5 and shots on goal 7-5. Both teams had one corner kick and eight fouls. The Garnet Chargers led in saves 5-3.

Coach's Corner:

After the game, Coach Kristin Hensinger was asked how the team feels about being back at home for their 2024 season home opener this Saturday, 9/14. "We're looking forward to be headed into a couple of home games. We've had five tough road games in a row; we are thankful to be going into a stretch of home games still undefeated," Hensinger stated.

Inside the Lines:

• The Golden Bears took on the Garnet Chargers of Union College in Schenectady, New York, on Wednesday.
• Liza Pinette scored in the 3rd minute to give the Golden Bears a 1-0 lead. Isabella Montalvo and Emma French were credited with the assists.
• Alayna Boileau scored in the 16th minute to help the Garnet Chargers tie the game 1-1. Taylor Bovardi had the assist on the goal.
• Gabby Sansone scored in the 26th minute off an assist from Emma Withington and Lynzie Bailey. The Golden Bears led 2-1.
• The Golden Bears scored an own goal in the 31st minute. The score was 2-2.
• Maya Koster made five saves and let up two goals.
• Molly McLaughlin made three saves and let up two goals.
• The Golden Bears and Garnet Chargers tied 2-2.

Up Next on the Schedule:

• The Golden Bears will play their home opener on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at noon. They will host the Wellesley College Blue.
• The Garnet Chargers will travel to SUNY Oneonta for a non-conference matchup on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at 1:00 PM.