HOBOKEN, N.J. (September 15, 2019)  – Sophomore Ally Wanzor netted her first goal of the season on a nifty play in the 14th minute, but No. 7/2 The College of New Jersey scored three times in the second half to defeat No. 21/14 Stevens Institute of Technology women's soccer 3-1 Sunday in a non-conference fixture at the DeBaun Athletic Complex.

Wanzor, who tied for the team lead in goals (10) as a freshman, beat Nicole DiPasquale to give Stevens an early advantage. Senior Gabby Saade created the play, going on a run parallel to the left sideline that ended well into the 18-yard box. Saade slid the ball over to classmate Julia Panko in the center of the pitch, who immediately connected with Wanzor, who drove a right-footed blast from the right slot into the open net. Both Saade and Panko earned an assist on the play.

TCNJ, who came into the match off a setback against No. 8/9 Johns Hopkins University, rallied for three goals over the final 45 minutes to earn the victory. Nikki Butler's header evened the match in the 50th minute before Kelly Carolan gave the Lions the lead six-and-a-half minutes later. Julianna Bertolino added an insurance goal in the 77th minute for the visitors, who improved to 4-1.

Sophomore Izzy DiDario and junior Erika McCarthy each made a save for Stevens, who fell to 2-3-1. McCarthy's save came on a penalty kick.

Turning Point

• In the 57th minute, Nina Carlson went on a long run in nearly in the same lane that Saade took in the opening half.
• A slight breakdown in defensive communication left Carolan alone just outside the six and the TCNJ midfielder received the pass and beat McCarthy to give the Lions their first lead of the match.

Inside the Numbers

• Using a 10-3 margin in the second half, TCNJ outshot Stevens 15-9. The Ducks held a 6-5 edge in the opening stanza. Wanzor and Carolan each took a match-high three attempts.
• In spite of the shot totals, it was Stevens that had the advantage in shots on net (6-5).
• DiPasquale recorded five saves.
• A physical contest, the teams combined for 35 fouls and a pair of yellow cards. The two cards shown to the Ducks were the first two of the season.
• Stevens earned four corners and held TCNJ to just one in each half. 

Unsung Hero

• Sophomore Fiona Matthews played a pivotal role in an opening 45 minutes that saw Stevens frustrate TCNJ in the attacking third. The New Milford, New Jersey native was able to keep several balls out of dangerous areas and then slid into the midfield in the latter portion of the frame and played a key role as Stevens transitioned from offense to defense and vice versa.

From the Sidelines (Head Coach Jeff Parker)

• "Tale of two halves this afternoon. We played at a very high level in the first half and scored a tremendous team goal. Second half, [it] was difficult for us to find our rhythm and establish the same pressure."
• "That's a good team, but we need to take it upon ourselves to impose our will on the game, no matter the opponent. We'll regroup and aim to get better."

Up Next

• No. 21/14 Stevens returns to Pennsylvania for the third time this season for a non-conference fixture with the University of Scranton.
• The Royals were ranked 25th in the United Soccer Coaches preseason poll, but are 0-1-3 in the early portion of their schedule.
• The programs have met just one, playing to a 0-0 draw in the first round of the 2004 NCAA Championship. Stevens advanced via a 5-4 results in penalties in a match that was played at the DeBaun Athletic Complex.
• A live stats link is available on StevensDucks.com.

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