LIVONIA, Mich. - The Madonna University women's soccer reserved defeated the Point Park University Pioneers Reserves 2-0 to improve to 2-0 in 2018. Earlier in the week the Crusaders came away with a 4-1 victory over the Huntington University Reserves.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Huntington
  • Despite not having a true goalkeeper available for the match, the Crusaders held Huntington to one goal. Grace Thomas made one save in a perfect first half while Katie Fetherolf allowed the lone goal in the second half.
  • The Crusaders dominated play early, possessing the ball for large chunks of the first half but were unable to get on the board.
  • The Crusaders found their groove and were able to generate offense throughout the second half as Rachel Rubio and Alex Sherlock each scored two goals. Grace Thomas and Gabby Dedvukaj chipped in with an assist apiece.
• Point Park
  • Rubio broke the tie for the Blue and Gold in the 12th minute off an assist from Sherlock to put MU in the lead 1-0.
  • Late in the first half, the Crusaders added to the lead when Rubio slotted a ball in for Alaina Celeski who beat the keeper and scored to make it 2-0
  • The game was called early due to oppressive heat on the turf at Highmark Stadium in Pittsburgh leaving the Crusaders with the 2-0 victory.
  • Emilohi Izirein earned the shutout, the first of her college career, in goal for Madonna.

PATTON'S PARLOR

• "Two wins in our first two games is a good start for the Reserve Squad this season. We have some more experience, are deeper, and more talent this season. I am excited for what is possible this year. We're putting the ball in the goal and spreading the shots around. The defense has stood tall, despite being without a true 'keeper for the first match.  Thanks to Katie and Grace for stepping up in a pinch and handling the Goalkeeping duties against Huntington. As we get a few players back from injury and get our full complement of keepers eligible, we should continue to improve." - Head Coach Paul Patton on the start of the season.

STATS OF NOTE

• Rubio has three goals and one assist
• Sherlock has two goals and one assist
• Celeski has one goal
• Dedvukaj and Thomas each have one assist
• Izirein is 1-0 in het with a shutout

UP NEXT

• The Crusaders return to action on Saturday, Sept. 8th in East Lansing against the Michigan State University Club team at 2 p.m.
• Next week the Reserve Squad plays at Siena Heights on Monday, home versus Spring Arbor on Wednesday, then on the road at Asbury on Friday.