CENTER VALLEY, Pa. (NJCUGothicKnights.com) | The New Jersey City University  women's soccer team looked to improve to 2-0 on the season for the first time since the 2011 season, but DeSales University controlled the pace and possession for a majority of the September 4 matchup. The Bulldogs outshot NJCU, 25-2, and led 3-0 at halftime en route to a 5-1 non-conference win.
 
With the loss, NJCU falls to 1-1-0 on the season. DeSales improves to 2-0. The Bulldogs scored in the seventh minute before adding tallies in the 22nd and 33rd frames, outshooting NJCU 11-1 in the first 45 minutes and 14-1 in the second half.
 
After shutting out FDU-Florham in a double-overtime scoreless draw on September 1 in the season opener, junior goalkeeper Paula Viana (Elizabeth, N.J./Hamilton Prep Academy) was challenged and under pressure made nine saves, including a penalty kick by Caroline Nealon in the 51st minute.
 
Coincidentally, NJCU would earn its own scoring chance from the penalty spot in the 83rd minute. Freshman midfielder Maria Calle (Elizabeth, N.J./Hamilton Prep Academy) stepped up and calmly shot the ball past the third DeSales keeper, Shannon Pennella, to score her first collegiate goal and the first of the season for the Gothic Knights.
 
Angelica Bertola notched a hat trick for DeSales—her fifth, sixth and seventh goals in three games—including the game-winning goal in the 22nd minute. She also tallied the fourth and fifth Bulldog goals in a span of 1:53 in the first two minutes of the second half (46:01 and 47:54).  
 
Nealon scored the first goal for DeSales in the seventh minute on a double assist from Danni Engwall and Meghan Williams. Sydney Amato also scored for the hosts for a 3-0 lead.
 
Engwall finished with two assists for DeSales, adding another on the fourth goal in the 47th minute. Esther Younger and Jess Wetherhold also picked up assists.
 
Despite facing 11 more shots, the NJCU (1-1-0) defense bunkered down and held the Bulldogs scoreless for the next 41 minutes of play.
 
OF NOTE:

• Series: First-ever meeting between NJCU and DeSales

 
WHAT'S NEXT?
NJCU returns home and continues its non-conference slate against Cedar Crest College on Wednesday, September 7 at 4 p.m. at the Robert L. McNulty Memorial Soccer Field. The first-ever meeting between the schools on September 9, 2015 in Allentown, Pa. ended in a 0-0 draw in double overtime.