NEWPORT NEWS, VA (September 10, 2022) – The Susquehanna University Women's Soccer team hit the road for the first time this season, travelling to Virginia for a non-conference matchup with reigning National Champions and No.1-ranked Christopher Newport University. Despite their status as underdogs, the River Hawks gave CNU plenty to think about on Saturday afternoon, taking a 1-0 lead and holding the score at a 1-1 tie for nearly twenty minutes before CNU was able to find a winning goal in the 89th minute. The loss drops Susquehanna to 2-2 on the year, but they'll take plenty of positives from the match despite the final score.
The Captains of CNU were relentless with their offensive pressure and it began from the opening whistle. Earning two corner kicks in short succession just four minutes into the game, the Captains would then fire off five shots over the next few minutes, two of which forced saves from first-year goalkeeper Paisley Tornatore. This would be the status quo for the entirety of the match, with CNU tallying a gaudy shot total of 28, but only putting 10 on frame, with Tornatore racking up eight saves in the match. CNU earned eight corner kicks in the first half alone, adding another in the second half for a total of nine on the game. SU's statistics were modest in comparison, but also much more efficient on the offensive end, with the River Hawks totaling 10 shots, seven on goal, and two corner kicks.
Susquehanna withstood much of the offensive assault from the Captains, standing firm to keep the game scoreless through the first half. Seemingly galvanized by the strong defensive showing, the River Hawks' offense came out strong to begin the second half and found the back of the net less than three minutes into the second half, with senior Emily Wertz striking a stunning shot from well outside the box which struck the underside of the crossbar and went into the net, an absolutely world-class strike. Wertz proved to be the focal point of SU's attack, tallying six of the team's ten total shots and putting four on frame including her goal.
The defense continued to fight to hold off the CNU attack, now further motivated with a lead to protect. But in the 70th minute, the Captains finally broke through, scoring on a free kick from just outside the box to tie the game. They would continue to press for a winner, forcing more saves from Tornatore and stretching SU's defense, while Wertz remained a threat on the counterattack. The barrage of CNU shots from open play finally found paydirt in the 89th minute, with a cross into the box finding an opening that allowed them to put away the winning goal with minimal time to spare.
Susquehanna will have a chance to turn out another strong effort in the hopes of grabbing a win tomorrow, as they remain in Virginia to take on Virginia Wesleyan University at 2 PM. If today's close fight with the reigning National Champions is any indication, the River Hawks stand to be a tough test for VWU.
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--RIVER HAWKS--
