Box Score Oct. 19, 2016 Box Score
ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Second-half goals by juniors Natalie Dzhandzhapanyan (Diamond Bar, Calif.) and Meghan Hegarty (Richmond, Va.) guided the Navy women's soccer team past American, 2-0, on Wednesday at the Glenn Warner Soccer Facility. Navy improved to 4-2-1 in Patriot League play, while American fell to 0-5-2.
"We are finally starting to put the pieces together, but in order for us to make a successful run, we will need to put all the pieces together," Navy head coach Carin Gabarra said. "We need to continue scoring goals, possessing the ball and attacking well, while keeping the other team off the board like we did tonight."
Navy (8-8-2, 4-2-1 PL) put together a strong first half, outshooting American (1-14-2, 0-5-2), 14-0 and holding an advantage in corner kicks, 4-0. Eagle goalkeeper Amy Krotine was able to keep the Mids off the board, recording six saves in the first 45 minutes.
The Mids carried over their offensive momentum in the second half and broke the scoreless tie in the 51st minute.
From the far sideline, senior Cat Macklin (McLean, Va.) swung in a pass into the center of the 18-yard box, where an American defender looked to clear the ball back to midfield. Off the failed clear, freshman Cadie Higginson (New Orleans, La.) volleyed the ball back towards net and was punched back into play by Eagle goalkeeper Morgan Lang. From the loose ball, Dzhandzhapanyan took one touch and redirected the ball to the far post and in the back of the net for her second of the season.
Navy then added an insurance goal in the 78th minute off its seventh corner kick of the match. Senior Megan Rogers (Orange Park, Fla.) swung in a perfect pass to the far post, where an uncovered Hegarty was waiting to head it in for her second of the season.
The Mids overwhelmed the Eagles in every game stat, owning advantages in shots, 24-1, shots on goal, 12-1, and corner kicks 10-0.
Senior goalkeeper Dayton Wetherby (Wesley Chapel, Fla.) tallied one save in 84:27 minutes played, while classmate Chelsea Pixa (Alexandria, Va.) came in relief for the final 5:33 and was not tested.
Navy has recorded wins in its last three matches, including back-to-back in league play. The Mids remain five points back of second-place Boston University and three points of fourth-place Colgate with two games left in the regular season.
The Mids will play their final home match of the regular season on Sunday (1 PM) against Lafayette. Sunday's match is Senior Day and will recognize Navy's five seniors prior to the beginning of the contest. The match will be streamed live and for free on PatriotLeague.TV.
