JAMAICA, NY --- (www.YORKATHLETICS.com) York College women's soccer opened the 2024 season Saturday morning on home field against the Saint Elizabeth Eagles (2-0-1). A competitive matchup in the first frame, the Eagles pulled away to claim the 8-1 decision. Following an extensive renovation to the Outdoor Athletic Complex, Saturday's fixture marked York's first women's soccer home game on campus since 2011.

First-Half Breakdown
After a 0-0 stalemate in the first 15 minutes, Laila Kendle and Paige Neal scored 80 seconds apart to give Saint Elizabeth a 2-0 advantage. Threatening York netminder Michelle Mancuso's goal, she repelled six Eagle shots the rest of the first stanza. 33 seconds before intermission, Kendle latched onto a pass from Kaylee Davis to extend the scoreline to 3-0.

Second-Half Breakdown
The Cardinals found hope in the 54th minute, as Alisha Adams slotted home a penalty after Zaria Neptune's mazy sprint drew a foul. Saint Elizabeth responded by scoring three times in the next 11 minutes to take a 6-1 lead. Paige and Kendle added the seventh and eighth goals for the Eagles to finish the match at 8-1. Both the goalscorers each found the back of the net four times.

Inside the Box Score
Outside of the scoreline, Saint Elizabeth had an advantage in shots (28-4), shots on target (18-2), and corners (5-2). Mancuso accumulated eight saves, while Eagle goalkeeper Salma Ibrahim kept out one shot.

Up Next
The Cardinals (0-1) return to home turf Wednesday (Sept. 11) for a non-conference battle against the SUNY Old Westbury Panthers (0-2) at 4 p.m. from York College Outdoor Athletic Complex. 

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