Goals From Wilkinson and Matesa Lead Dukes Over Ohio in Season Opener

Thursday, August 18

Pittsburgh, PA

4 P.M.

Duquesne University

1-0-0, 0-0-0

Ohio

0-1-0, 0-0-0

Team	1	2	Final F
Ohio	1	0	1
Duquesne	0	2	2

Duquesne Women's Soccer players huddle after scoring a goal against Ohio

Photo by: Jason Cohn

8/18/2022 6:16:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score Photo Gallery

PITTSBURGH – Goals from senior midfielder Sarah Wilkinson and freshman forward Maya Matesa led the Duquesne women's soccer team to a 2-1 victory against Ohio in its season opener Thursday.

The win gives Duquesne a 1-0 record while the Bobcats begin the year 0-1. This was a big result for the Dukes, as Ohio was the preseason favorite to win the MAC.

Down 1-0 at half, Wilkinson and Matesa scored 13 minutes apart to give the Dukes the lead, which they held for the rest of the match.

Wilkinson's goal was assisted by junior forward Jaimi Araujo and freshman midfielder Libby Majka. Matesa's finish was assisted by freshman midfielder Mackenzie Muir and freshman forward Brianna Moore.

The match began with lots of back-and-forth play by both sides, with neither getting many quality chances. After a good shot by freshman forward Margey Brown was stopped by Ohio's goalkeeper, the field started to tilt in Ohio's direction.

Ohio's momentum in the contest peaked in the 19^th-minute when it secured a 1-0 lead. The Dukes fought back for the rest of the half – including a couple of shots that missed just wide – but could not get on the board.

The second half told a different story. Wilkinson's finish right in front of the net in the 48^th-minute began with a ball from the Majka that was then touched by Araujo.

Just 13 minutes later, three freshmen connected and created a play that ended with a beautiful finish by Matesa after a savvy pass from Muir.

For the rest of the second half, Duquesne controlled play and was able to hold off any last-minute efforts from Ohio.

GAME NOTES

Wilkinson's goal was the first of her career.
Matesa's goal was also the first of her career, but it came in her first career game. She also led the team with three shots on goal.
Muir, Moore and Majka each recorded their first career assists.
Sophomore goalkeeper Maddy Neundorfer recorded her first career win in net.
Duquesne's back line held strong in the first game of the year. Senior defender Ashley Rodriguez, sophomore defender Karley Steinher and freshman defender Lindsay Krafchick all started and played the full 90 minutes.
Eight different true freshmen played in today's game for the Dukes, including five of them starting.
The win marks the second-straight season the Dukes have won their season opener.