The women’s soccer team (1-2-0 overall) was shut out 6-0 against Georgetown University (3-0-1 overall) this past weekend in Washington, D.C.
Following last week’s suspended game against Mount St. Mary’s University, the Leopards had their hands full against the Hoyas, whose impressive campaign last season earned them a spot in the NCAA tournament.
Knowing that the game would be a tough matchup, the team decided to treat it “just like any other game,” according to sophomore midfielder Nadia Zaffanella.
“Which I think is the right way to go into it,” she continued.
The Leopards fell behind early in the contest after Georgetown scored two goals in quick succession at the 10 and 12-minute marks to put the Hoyas up 2-0.
“That left us in a scenario where we were down early which made it difficult to play on,” Zaffanella said. “We did the best with what we had at the end of the day.”
Before the end of the half, the Hoyas slid one more ball to the back of the net, sending the Leopards into the locker room facing a 3-0 deficit. The Maroon and White were unable to end the Hoyas’ scoring streak, conceding another three goals in the second period.
“We kind of reacted based on what Georgetown was giving us,” senior defender Chayce Buono said. “Instead, I think we could come out a little bit stronger and set the tone early.”
Despite its efforts to break through, the Leopards’ offense was kept at bay by the Hoyas. Junior forward Katrina Santelli, senior midfielder Alexa Jindal and sophomore defender Abby Giordano each took a shot on the Hoyas, with Santelli’s being the only shot on goal the Leopards had all game. Overall, the Leopards were outshot by a whopping 32-3 margin, including a 16-1 differential in shots on goal.
According to junior midfielder April McDonald, Jindal “was working hard up top.”
“It was hard with a back three, but she kept working and we had a few chances,” McDonald said.
Another bright spot in the match was senior midfielder Michaela Salvati.
“She won tons of headers for us and she orchestrated our midfield very well and made sure we stayed organized,” Zaffanella said.
Ultimately, the team is looking to turn the page on the tough loss and find ways to get back in the win column, starting with Thursday night’s home game against Seton Hall.
“It was a very good team and the overall experience we should all be grateful for,” Buono said. “I think just taking what we learned from the Georgetown game and applying it to our games going forward is going to be huge for us.”