HOBOKEN, N.J. (October 20, 2021)  – Junior Olivia Panko netted her first goal of the season in the 20th minute to lead the Stevens Institute of Technology women's soccer team to a 1-0 victory over previously unbeaten, and 24th-ranked, Western Connecticut State University Wednesday in a non-conference match at the DeBaun Athletic Complex.

Senior Fiona Matthews began the lone scoring play of the match by maintaining possession in the attacking third after a Western Connecticut defender dispossessed the Stevens offense. Matthews collecting a ball near the far touchline and dribbled into a dangerous area, narrowly keeping the ball inbounds. Just before the ball crossed the goal line, Matthews sent a cross towards the middle of the 18, where Panko was unmarked. Panko connected with the ball in midair, sending it into the right side of the net to produce the lone goal of the match. The goal marked just the fourth time this season that the Colonials faced a deficit.

The one-goal advantage provided Stevens with all of the offense it needed in handing Western Connecticut its first loss of the year, snapping the Colonials' 14-match winning streak. Western Connecticut had not lost since the 2019 Little East Conference Championship, which also marked the last time the Colonials were kept off the scoreboard. Entering the match, Western Connecticut had the 19th-best offense in Division III.

Senior Izzy DiDario made four saves to preserve the clean sheet for the Ducks, who improved to 6-5-3 on the year. Stevens improved to 8-4-3 all-time against Western Connecticut since the 2002 season, including wins in each of the last four meetings. Karly Martin made three saves for the Colonials, who fell to 14-1. Following the result, there are only three unblemished (no losses or tied) teams remaining in Division III.

Stevens nearly broke through in the opening moments. Senior Ally Wanzor fired a blistering shot that rang off the crossbar just 33 seconds into the match. Sophomore Amelia Rehrig corralled the rebound and fired a second shot on frame, but Martin was up to the task and stopped the scoring chance. 

The Ducks appeared to have a second goal in the 30th minute. Sophomore Morgan Whitlock's throw-in appeared to be touched into the net, but after the officials conferred, it was decided that the ball was not touched prior the redirect at the goal line.

Stevens is tied for third place in the MAC Freedom with FDU-Florham with 10 points, although the Ducks have one match in hand. No. 7 Misericordia remains in first place and after defeating Delaware Valley earlier in the evening, DeSales climbed into second place.

Prior to the match, both Stevens and Western Connecticut "Stood Up to Cancer" in a special prematch ceremony.

Turning Point

• Western Connecticut had their best scoring sequence of the match in the 60th minute. 
• Myah Croze had her shot blocked by a Stevens defender and nine seconds later, Lillian Daniels' shot ricocheted off the crossbar.

Inside the Numbers

• Stevens finished with a 13-9 advantage in shots, including a 10-5 margin in the first half. The Ducks have outshot 12 of their 14 opponents this season. The Colonials' nine attempts marked a season low.
• Senior Ally Wanzor led both sides with four shots. Hannah Daly paced Western Connecticut with three. 
• Each side finished with four shots on target.
• Thanks to a 5-3 margin in the first half, Stevens finished with a 7-6 advantage in corners. 
• Stevens has produced a clean sheet in each of the last two meetings with Western Connecticut.
• The matchup was the Ducks' fifth with a ranked opponent this season.
• The victory was head coach Jeff Parker's 291st at Stevens.

Unsung Heroes

• The Ducks' defensive group held two of the nation's most dangerous scorers, Myah Croze and Suzana Imetovski in check, holding the duo to just three shots with only one registering on target.
• Entering the match, Croze ranked second in Division III in goals per match (1.57) and third in points per match (3.43) 

From the Pitch - Senior Fiona Matthews

• "We were excited to go into this game playing an undefeated team. We knew we would have to work hard from the start and that's exactly what we did. It was nice to see everyone come together, play our game and hold the lead we established early on."

From the Sidelines - Head Coach Jeff Parker

• "Thought it was a good effort from our group overall tonight. Composed. Connected. One of our more complete performances. I think we were facing a very confident and well coached team; a program that we have a ton of respect for what they do and how they do it. Our first half had some excellent moments as I believe our group demonstrated a lot of trust and collaboration. The second half was more difficult and we were made to suffer - but it's very important to capitalize when you're in the ascendency, and fortunately, one goal was enough tonight. Down to three conference matches in the regular season and our focus is directly upon the challenge Wilkes will bring to DeBaun on Saturday."
• "Special moments before the match, getting the chance to Stand Up to Cancer. Beautiful to see both teams united against this terrible disease that needs to be eradicated. Appreciate the athletic communication staff and our administration for this powerful moment of solidarity."

Up Next

• Stevens welcomes Wilkes to DeBaun on Oct. 23 for a key MAC Freedom matchup.
• The Ducks are 5-0 all-time against the Colonels, including a sweep in a pair of meetings in 2019.
• Wilkes is currently fifth in the conference standings, two points behind Stevens and FDU-Florham.
• Links for live stats and video are available on StevensDucks.com.

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