Hartford, Conn. – A pair of first half goals lifted the Long Island University women’s soccer team to a season-opening 2-0 win at Hartford on Saturday night at Al-Marzook Field. Junior
Ariana Calderon opened the scoring, while senior
Kayleigh Morgan scored just over three minutes later to give LIU all the offense it would need. The Blackbirds are 1-0 to open the year for the third straight season.
Long Island took control of the action from the outset and got the opening goal in the 21st minute when Calderon was able to latch onto a loose ball and tap it home from 10 feet away for the eventual game-winner. LIU kept up the pressure and tacked on an insurance goal in the 24th minute when Morgan was able to get on the end of a corner kick from junior
Sarah Laughlin and head it home for a two-goal cushion.
Hartford came out strong to start the second half with consecutive shots in the opening minutes, but was unable to convert. Caroline Dixon had the best opportunity of the night for the Hawks, but her shot hit the post in the 47th minute. Arielle Aikens sent a shot high just over two minutes later and after that the LIU defense did not allow another shot to clinch the shutout in the first-ever meeting between the two teams.
The Blackbirds’ defense was in solid form on the night, not allowing the Hawks a shot until the 34th minute. For the game, LIU held a 10-3 advantage in shots, including an 8-0 margin in shots on goal. Sophomore
Jennifer Bannon and freshman
Jessica Sexton combined for the shutout for LIU, while Hartford’s Lauren Brodeur made six saves.
The Blackbirds return to action on August 28 and 29 at the OHANA Hotels and Resorts No Ka Oi in Honolulu, Hawaii. LIU will face Cal Poly and the host, Hawaii in a pair of matches.
Scoring Summary: Long Island (1-0-0) 2; Hartford (1-0-0) 0.
Goals - LIU: A. Calderon (unassisted) (20:25); K. Morgan (S. Laughlin) (23:44). Hartford: none.