The Central Connecticut State University women’s soccer team remains undefeated in Northeast Conference play with a 2-1 win over the Wagner Seahawks on Thursday, Oct. 26, at CCSU Soccer Field.
This season marks the second year in a row that the Blue Devils have gone undefeated in their conference, something head coach Mick D’Arcy said he is proud of.
“To go back-to-back seasons not losing an NEC game, I think, is a terrific achievement, so really proud of the players for pulling that off,” D’Arcy said.
The game was a dominant one for the Blue Devils. They got out to an early lead with a beautiful goal from Emma Radoncic, setting the tone for the rest of the game.
Throughout the first half, the Blue Devils broke the Seahawks down, passing through their pressure and creating many chances in the attacking third. Central finished the half with seven shots and only allowed five from Wagner.
The Blue Devils’ defense effectively stopped any attack made by Wagner, only allowing seven shots throughout the game.
In the second half, the Blue Devils again looked dominant. But, in the 65th minute, the Seahawks scored on a header, drawing the game at one apiece. The Blue Devils would again bounce back, responding 10 minutes later with a goal from Abbie Burgess.
Coach D’Arcy recognized the team’s resiliency and ability to score game-winning goals.
“There’s going to be ebb and flows to the game at times, and even today was a game that shot-wise we dominated,” D’Arcy said. “It’s hard, it’s a challenge, but this team has proven all year long that they can stay in games and get the goals to win it.”
Going into the game, the Blue Devils were just a point off from winning the NEC regular season. They needed Merrimack to lose or draw to Long Island University. Merrimack went on to win 4-2, making them the NEC regular season champions.
CCSU will finish second in the conference, clinching a postseason berth. The Blue Devils have earned a first-round bye and will start their journey back to the top of the conference in the semifinals of the Northeast Conference Tournament on Thursday, Nov. 2.
