JERSEY CITY, NJ– The Saint Peter's women's soccer team earned its first victory of the month and second MAAC win of the season, defeating Merrimack College 1-0 Saturday afternoon at Jaroschak Field. Senior
Emma Lopes recorded her second career shutout on Senior Day, while
Mayla McLean's early tally proved to be the game-winner.
Before kickoff, the Peacocks honored their graduating class:
Stella Accettola, Joana Dias, Emma Lopes, Gabrielle Saint-Jacques, Georgia Tarullo, and Felicia Wallin.
WHAT HAPPENED:
FIRST HALF: The Peacocks came out hot to start the match — and it paid off. From kickoff, Saint Peter's immediately pushed into the attacking third, with
Julia Pinho Magno slipping a pass to
Allyssia Merisier, whose shot just nine seconds in missed wide.
Saint Peter's continued to apply pressure, peppering the net with five more attempts in the opening eight minutes before finally breaking through. Off a Merrimack goalkick,
Wilma Thodhlana headed the ball to
Joana Dias who found McLean in stride, the freshman finished low into the right panel for her second goal of the season to give the team an early 1-0 lead.
Merrimack nearly equalized moments later, as Taylor Pedra finished a cross into the upper center of the goal — but the play was called back for a handball in the box.
The Peacocks controlled the tempo throughout the half, holding the Warriors to just five shots through 45 minutes. Saint Peter's tallied 13 shots with a 5-1 edge on target.
SECOND HALF: Both sides settled defensively after the break, combining for only five total shots—Saint Peter's defense held firm, limiting Merrimack to just three second-half attempts. Magno Pinho took two chances to double the lead, but goalkeeper Kaitlyn Brewi made both stops.
In the 60th minute, Lopes was tested by Kylie Fuller from distance, but comfortably secured the low shot. Ten minutes later, Kellianne Caldwell sent one high, and in the 80th minute, Fuller again fired on goal, but Lopes collected it with ease.
At the final whistle, Saint Peter's led 15-8 in total shots, including a 7-3 edge on goal, while Merrimack held a 7-2 advantage in corners. Lopes finished with three saves to preserve the clean sheet.
UP NEXT
Saint Peter's has a week off before heading on the road for its final away match of the regular season. The Peacocks will travel to Buffalo, NY, to face Canisius on Saturday, October 25, at Demske Sports Complex. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. on ESPN+.
For continuing coverage of Saint Peter's University Athletics, visit SaintPetersPeacocks.com and follow the Peacocks on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
