LIVONIA, Mich. - The Madonna University women's soccer team improved to 5-0-0 on the season with yet another dominant victory over the University of St. Francis Cougars on Wednesday afternoon at the Madonna Athletics Complex. The Blue and Gold continue to showcase their high powered offense with another 6-0 victory, posting an impressive 22 goals in the first five games of the season. Audrey Kopitz continued her hot start to her freshman campaign as Nicolette Vultaggio once again found the back of the net, scoring goals in each of the last four games

HOW IT HAPPENED

• FIRST HALF

  • In the 18th minute, Jamie Moceri received a pass from Audrey Kopitz before sending her shot into the top corner of the goal for the first score of the game and a 1-0 Crusaders lead.

  • Kopitz then found herself with an open opportunity just outside the box in the 28th minute as she ripped a shot into the net for a 2-0 lead.

  • Following a great pass from Brianna Mozariwskyj that sent Nicolette Vultaggio one-on-one with the keeper, Vultaggio was able to tuck the shot just inside the right post for her first of the game and a 3-0 MU lead.

  • With less than a minute remaining in the half, Cristina Moraccini blasted a shot from nearly 25 yards out just under the crossbar that the keeper could not get her hands on, putting the Crusaders up 4-0 at the break.

• SECOND HALF

  • The second half played out rather slow in comparison with the first, as the goal total was cut in half. The first tally came in the 66th minute off the foot of Kopitz as she continues to impress with her offensive prowess.

  • Julia Stewart saw some action in the 69th minute as a Cougar player found herself with with a great scoring opportunity and only one player to beat, although the Crusaders keeper was able to make the diving save on the goaline, conserving the shutout.

  • Just a few minutes later, Vultaggio was fouled in the box after some fancy footwork that led to a penalty kick. The keeper dove right and Vultaggio shot left for her second tally of the game and a 6-0 lead for the Blue and Gold.

PATTON'S PARLOR

• "This was a good team win today. We had four different girls score and with the way we are spreading our offense around, it is tough for other teams to defend us. For the most part, I thought our defense played pretty well and we are continuing to see improvements in that area. There were a couple defensive lapses in the second half, but we have Julia back there to pick us up and make some saves. Overall, this was a quality win, "  - Head Coach Paul Patton on the victory.

INSIDE THE BOX

• The Crusaders outshot the Cougars 38-4, with 17 of those shots on frame for the Blue and Gold and three for St. Francis.

• Julia Stewart earned her fourth straight shutout, playing all 90 minutes and making three saves in the contest.

• The dynamic duo of Kopitz and Vultaggio combined for four goals, 12 shots, and eight shots on goal, with nine other Crusaders added to the incredibly high shot count.

UP NEXT

• The Crusaders have a small break before returning to action on Saturday, Sept. 15th at 11:00AM at Cumberland University in Lebanon, Tenn.

• Be sure to check the schedule for up to date streaming information.
   

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