WEST HARTFORD, Conn. (September 20, 2025) – WNE drove down to West Hartford, Connecticut, for their second conference matchup of the season. After dropping their CNE-opener to UNE, the Golden Bears responded with a 1-0 win versus the University of Hartford, 1-0, thanks to a Liza Pinette ninth-minute game-winning goal.

Records:

• Western New England: 2-3-2 (1-1-0)
• University of Hartford: 4-2-1 (0-2-0)

How it Happened:

First Half:

• The contest started with Sejal Johnson and Ainsley Napolitano taking their rightful place between the Hawks' and Golden Bears' goals, respectively.
• Hartford had the quick start, with two shots and a corner kick. One of the shots had to be saved in the top-left corner of the goal by Napolitano, and was.
• Then, in the 9th minute, a corner kick taken by Meghan Hartnett found its way to Liza Pinette, who sent the ball crashing into the net to give WNE the lead. WNE led 1-0.
• The scoring opportunities went back and forth for a little while. Hartford had more corner kicks, but WNE had more shots on goal.
• That was the case up until the 32nd minute. Hartford had two shots on goal and a shot that did not make it on target within four minutes. WNE would counter with a shot wide, and that would end the first half.
• WNE led 1-0 at the halftime break, but the stats showed Hartford having more shots, 7-3, shots on goal, 3-2, and corner kicks, 5-1. WNE was the more aggressive team in the first half, with more fouls, 5-0.

Second Half:

• The second half saw Hartford's intensity skyrocket.
• They had a shot from Andrea Buzas slam off the left post of the goal frame.
• The teams traded possession back and forth before a couple of shots from Hartford were saved by Napolitano in the top-right corner of the goal.
• WNE would gain possession and earn a corner, but Hartford answered back immediately. They would garner five corner kicks, three shots on goal, and six shots total in the final eleven minutes of play.
• WNE's defense would not falter, and the Golden Bears would pick up their first conference win of the season in shutout fashion.
• WNE won the game 1-0.

Inside the Lines:

• WNE defeated Hartford 1-0.
• Liza Pinette was the difference maker with the eventual game-winning goal in the 9th minute of the contest. Meghan Hartnett was credited with the assist.
• Hartford outshot WNE 16-4 and 8-2 in shots on goal.
• Hartford had more corner kicks, 8-2, but WNE had more fouls, 10-4.
• Ainsley Napolitano made eight saves to secure the shutout victory for the Golden Bears.
• Hartford concluded the game with one save.
• That is WNE's first victory versus the Hawks in program history.

Up Next on the Schedule:

• The women's soccer team will travel back to Springfield to host Keene State College in their next game. That contest will be played on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 4:00 PM on Suprenant Field.