Panko
1
DeSales DSUWS (12-3-1; 3-1-1 (MACF))
2
Winner Stevens STEVENS (10-3-1; 5-0 (MACF))
DeSales DSUWS
(12-3-1; 3-1-1 (MACF))
1
Final
2
Stevens STEVENS
(10-3-1; 5-0 (MACF))
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
DeSales DSUWS 0 1 1
Stevens STEVENS 1 1 2

Game Recap: Women's Soccer | | Stevens Athletic Communications

No. 18/20 Women’s Soccer Tops DeSales 2-1 to Clinch MAC Freedom Tournament Berth

Nitti and Panko score to lead No. 18/20 Women's Soccer into the postseason.

HOBOKEN, N.J. (October 23, 2019)  – Sophomore Gianna Nitti and senior Julia Panko each found the back of the net as No. 18/20 Stevens Institute of Technology women's soccer defeated DeSales University 2-1 Wednesday in a MAC Freedom fixture played at the DeBaun Athletic Complex.

Sophomore Izzy DiDario made one save to earn her sixth victory of the year as the Ducks improved to 10-3-1 on the year and a perfect 5-0 in conference play to clinch a berth in the MAC Freedom Tournament. Stevens has won eight straight and improved to 41-1-3 over its last 45 matches against conference opponents, including each of the last 17. The Ducks have three matches remaining on the schedule, including a pair of conference contests.

Meghan Corbran had the lone goal of the match for the Bulldogs and Lia Gaccione made five saves as DeSales fell to 12-3-1 on the year and 3-1-1 in the MAC Freedom. Stevens' victory snapped DeSales' 11-match unbeaten streak. 

Nitti opened scoring in the 11th minute. The sophomore back fired a shot from nearly 30 yards out that sailed well over the head of Gaccione and rang off the crossbar before crossing the goal line to give Stevens an early lead. The marker was Nitti's first of the year and came nearly one calendar year after her first collegiate goal, which came against Elmira College on Oct. 20, 2018.

Stevens' one-goal lead held into the second half before Panko gave the home team a little breathing room in the 55th minute. Panko drilled a ball that sailed beyond Gaccione's reach into the back of the net for her seventh tally of the year. The Millstone Township, New Jersey native improved her career point total to 94 and she needs just six points to become just the fourth player in program history to reach 100 career points. 

Corbran spoiled DiDario's bid for a clean sheet in the 71st minute, scoring off a set piece. The Duck defense held, however, only allowing just a single, off-target try over the final 19:41.

Stevens improved to 3-2 all-time against DeSales, although tonight's fixture was the first between the programs since Oct. 16, 2001.

Turning Point
  • Holding a 1-0 lead, despite controlling play for most of the first, Panko added an insurance goal in the 54th minute.
  • Freshman Catalina Abusada sent a crossing ball into the 18-yard box that was deflected out of the area by a DeSales defender.
  • The ball carried right to Panko, who was situated about five yards away from the 18. The senior midfielder sent a shot above the outstretched arm of Gaccione and into the back of the net.

Inside the Numbers
  • Stevens outshot DeSales 20-7 on the evening, including a 7-2 margin in shots on goal. Panko led all players with six shots. The Ducks have held the edge in shots in 11 of their 14 matches to date.
  • DeSales' seven shots marked a season-low for the Bulldogs and matched the second-lowest total by a Stevens opponent this season.
  • Stevens earned three corners against just two for DeSales. The two Bulldogs matched a season-low by a Stevens opponent.

Unsung Hero
  • In addition to helping contain the second-highest scoring offense in the conference, junior Kaitlyn Casiano was a contributor on the offensive side of things taking a pair of shots and going on a few early runs in the first half that forced DeSales out of system.

From the Sidelines (Head Coach Jeff Parker)
  • "Important three points tonight for our group. We moved the ball well at times and set up some quality chances. Our flow and rhythm keeps improving. Glad we were able to finish two of our opportunities on the night. We are looking to continue our growth as a group and have two important sessions ahead to help us get ready for Delaware Valley on Saturday."

Up Next
  • No. 18/20 Women's Soccer heads to Doylestown, Pennsylvania for a MAC Freedom fixture with Delaware Valley on Oct. 26.
  • It is believed to be the first meeting between the programs.
  • A victory clinches at least a share of the MAC Freedom regular season title and hosting rights for the conference's postseason tournament. 
  • Links for live stats and video are available on StevensDucks.com.

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