Knights Open Season With 2-0 Whitewash of SUNY Canton

Sophomore Linde Zajac was one of several Knights who kept the SUNY Canton defense busy on Wednesday afternoon. - Photo by Tommy Szarka

Canton, NY - With two goals in the first 14 minutes of action, the Clarkson University Women's Soccer team took control early and peppered the SUNY Canton defense throughout the contest, taking a 2-0 victory in the season-opener on Wednesday afternoon.

The Golden Knights kicked off 2010 with a victory to move to 1-0, while SUNY Canton broke open the new campaign with a loss, making the team 0-1.

Clarkson immediately put on pressure in the opening minutes, gaining several corner kick opportunities. On one of the very first chances from the flag, junior Alyssa Dausman (Syracuse, NY) lifted the ball into traffic, but the ball bounced right back out to her near the end line. Once again she sent a kick into the melee, but was able to curve into goal as Kangaroos goalkeeper Ricci Celia attempted to clear it. The score was Dausman's first career goal.

Just a few moments later, the Knights struck again as freshman Caitlyn Hennessey (East Syracuse, NY) sent a pass up to midfielder Linde Zajac (Cicero, NY) for a one-on-one opportunity with a single back. Zajac's first touch was a nutmeg through the defender's legs, and from there the sophomore crushed a shot off the left post and into the net at 13:41 of the first half.

Clarkson's chances continued throughout the game as SUNY Canton's Celia was kept busy making stops or watching shots sail just wide or high of the frame. Clarkson hit the post or crossbar on three different occasions as well.

The Knights finished with an 18-4 advantage in shots and an 8-4 lead in corner kick chances. Senior Stephanie Collins (Colton, NY) was called upon to make a single save for the shutout, while Celia made seven stops for Canton.

Print Friendly Version