JAMAICA, NY --- (www.YORKATHLETICS.com) York College women's soccer returned to home turf Saturday afternoon to take on the University of Valley Forge Patriots (2-4), earning a hard-fought 2-1 victory in a non-conference thriller from York College Outdoor Athletic Complex. Strong performances on both ends of the pitch powered the Cardinals to their first win of the season.

First-Half Breakdown
Stephanie Gonzalez provided an early spark for York, totaling four shots in the first 8:26. Just over two minutes later, Gonzalez netted an Olimpico to give the Cardinals the 1-0 lead. Continuing to attack, Karyme Martinez's effort in the 28th minute whizzed past the woodwork. Kathryne Conrad equalized for Valley Forge 12 minutes before the interval with a near-post finish. Coming up clutch, York goalie Amaniya Aiken (1-3) tallied two of her 10 clutch saves in the final first-half stretch to keep the score at 1-1.  

Second-Half Breakdown 
Aiken maintained her stellar play, parrying five Patriot attempts in the first 22:03.  Breaking the tie, Emma Kolenovic's long-range effort looped over Patriot shotstopper Abigail Wood to give the Cardinals a 2-1 edge with over 17 minutes on the clock. Shutting up shop, York did not allow Valley Forge a clear chance at goal the rest of the way. 

Inside The Box Score
York had the advantage in shots (20-16) while both squads each recorded 11 shots on goal. Valley Forge took seven corners as opposed to two for the Cardinals. In net, Aiken added 10 saves to her ledger and Wood pulled off nine stops. Pacing York's attack, Gonzalez managed 14 shots, tying Estefany Delgado (9/8/2015) and Jenifer Durazno (9/19/2015) for third-place in program history for shots in a match.

Up Next 
The Cardinals (1-3) aim to keep momentum Monday (Sept. 22) with a non-conference home matchup against the Pratt Institute Cannoneers (2-2) starting at 4 p.m. from York College Outdoor Athletic Complex.

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