WEST HARTFORD, Conn. - Women's soccer continued its impressive run through Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) play Wednesday evening, earning a 1-0 victory over the University of Saint Joseph. This comes as Emmanuel's fourth straight game allowing zero goals to the opposition, bringing the total to 15 days since they last conceded a score. With the win, the Saints improve to 4-3-0 overall and remain perfect at 4-0-0 in conference play.
Emmanuel controlled the match from the opening whistle, generating 14 shots and seven corner kicks in the opening 45 minutes while holding Saint Joseph without a shot. The Saints consistently pressured the USJ defense, forcing goalkeeper Madison Corcoran to make six saves in the first half to keep the match scoreless heading into the break.
The Saints continued to apply pressure early in the second half, with senior
Paige Letourneau nearly breaking the deadlock in the 48th minute when her shot struck the post. Just minutes later, Emmanuel earned a penalty kick, and Letourneau made no mistake from the spot, finding the back of the net at 56:13 to give the Saints a 1-0 advantage. The goal marked Letourneau's fourth of the season.
Emmanuel continued to control play following the breakthrough, creating several more opportunities and earning seven additional corner kicks. Letourneau finished the evening with a team-high nine shots, while
Abby Chambers recorded three shots on target. The Saints ultimately finished with a commanding 28-2 advantage in shots and 14-0 edge in corner kicks, showcasing dominance on both sides of the field.
USJ generated its first two shots of the evening early in the second half, but reigning goalkeeper of the week
Teigan Robie was there to turn both away. Robie finished with two saves en route to her fourth shutout of the season.
The Saints continued to push for insurance in the closing minutes, with senior
Ciara Horan hitting the post in the 89th minute before
Carla Andreu Panighi forced another save from Corcoran. Despite the late pressure, the lone goal from Letourneau proved to be enough as Emmanuel secured its fourth consecutive conference victory.
Emmanuel returns home Saturday, Sept. 26, when the Saints host Albertus Magnus College at Roberto Clemente Field. Kickoff is scheduled for noon.
