BROOKVILLE, N.Y. - LIU (6-2-4) secured a 2-1 victory over New Haven (0-7-1) in a tightly contested NCAA soccer match on Thursday afternoon at LIU Soccer Park. The match featured multiple momentum shifts and a dramatic red card in the closing stages.
Brooklyn Menard put LIU ahead in the 8th minute, finishing a well-placed assist from Kaylie Govoni. New Haven equalized through Kelsey Landers in the 33rd minute off a feed from Lola Wood, before Grace Hennig netted what proved to be the winner for LIU in the 59th minute with Izzy Stein providing the assist.
The first half saw LIU dominate possession and create multiple scoring opportunities. Grace Hennig tested the New Haven defense with shots in the 6th and 19th minutes, while Betty Hall and Bo Price also registered attempts on goal. The Sharks maintained pressure through five corner kicks in the opening period, though New Haven's organized defensive shape kept them in the match.
The second half intensity increased as both teams pushed for the decisive goal. LIU's breakthrough came through Hennig's clinical finish on the hour mark. The match's complexion changed dramatically in the 78th minute when LIU's Morgan Sherrill received a straight red card for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity. Despite being reduced to ten players, LIU's defense held firm in the closing stages.
The final statistics reflected LIU's overall control, outshooting New Haven 18-4 with a 7-2 advantage in shots on target. The Sharks also dominated set pieces, earning seven corner kicks to New Haven's one. Both teams showed discipline with no yellow cards issued before Sherrill's late dismissal.
Grace Hennig led all players with four shot attempts for LIU, while Brooklyn Menard and Betty Hall each registered multiple shots. New Haven's Kelsey Landers made the most of limited opportunities with her goal, while Caleigh Wynter created several promising attacks in the second half. The Chargers' goalkeeper recorded five crucial saves to keep the match competitive.
LIU's tactical approach emphasized wide play and quick transitions, particularly effective in the first half. New Haven adjusted well after halftime, pressing higher and creating more dangerous counterattacking opportunities. The Chargers' improved defensive organization forced LIU to work harder for their chances in the second period.
The victory extends LIU's unbeaten run to three matches, building on their recent win over Stonehill and draw with Chicago State. For New Haven, despite showing resilience and improvement from recent performances, the result marks their seventh defeat of the season, though their competitive showing suggests better results may be forthcoming.
Both teams face quick turnarounds with matches on Sunday, October 12. LIU hosts Le Moyne at noon looking to extend their positive momentum, while New Haven returns home to face Delaware State at 1:00 PM, seeking to snap their winless streak.
The match officials had a busy afternoon, with the crucial red card decision among several key calls that influenced the flow of play. Despite the late drama, LIU's overall quality and finishing efficiency proved decisive in securing all three points.