SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (September 2, 2026) – The Western New England University women's soccer team dropped its 2026 season opener Wednesday evening, falling to Springfield College, 2-0, at the Irv Schmid Sports Complex.
Records:
Western New England: 0-1
Springfield College: 1-0
How It Happened:
First Half:
- The Golden Bears generated early pressure, with Sophia Scyocurka recording a pair of shots in the opening six minutes. Western New England continued to create opportunities throughout the opening half, but Springfield goalkeeper Mallory Forgatch turned aside three shots on goal to keep the Golden Bears off the scoreboard.
- Springfield broke through in the 25th minute when Emilee Surber found the back of the net at 24:12 to give the Pride a 1-0 advantage.
- Western New England continued to push offensively following the opening goal. Ava dos Santos and Emma Forde each recorded a shot before Scyocurka forced another save from Forgatch in the 36th minute.
- The Pride added to its lead at 35:18 when Katie McFerran scored off an assist from Julia Mateus, putting Springfield ahead, 2-0. Western New England responded with a pair of chances from Marissa DiPronio in the final five minutes of the half, but Forgatch stopped both attempts to preserve Springfield's two-goal advantage heading into halftime.
Second Half:
- The Golden Bears came out of the intermission looking to cut into the deficit. Liza Pinette tested Springfield goalkeeper Mairead Marsden less than a minute into the second half, but Marsden made the save. Ava Borecki added another attempt for Western New England in the 52nd minute.
- Springfield goalkeeper Marsden continued to keep the Golden Bears off the scoreboard, making two saves in the second half. Meghan Hartnett put a shot on goal in the 76th minute, but Marsden again came up with the stop.
- Western New England continued to apply pressure late, earning corner kicks in the 75th and 80th minutes, but the Pride defense held firm to secure the shutout.
Key Performances:
- Scyocurka led the Golden Bears with three shots, including one on goal, while DiPronio recorded two shots on frame. Hartnett, Pinette and Forde each added one shot on goal.
- Mallory Forgatch and Mairead Marsden combined for five saves to preserve Springfield's shutout.
- Despite the final result, Western New England finished the contest with a 10-8 advantage in total shots and put five attempts on target compared to three for Springfield. Both teams earned three corner kicks, while the Golden Bears committed six fouls to Springfield's eight.
- The loss moves the all-time series to 4-14 in favor of Springfield College.
Up Next:
- The Golden Bears return home for their 2026 home opener on Saturday, September 5, when they welcome Clark University to Suprenant Field for an 11 a.m. contest. Western New England enters the matchup with a 0-0-1 all-time record against the Cougars.
