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Daemen University Athletics

Western New York's Premier Division II Team
Fearless, Integrity, Effort, Respect, Commitment, Excitement
de pablo esteban wsoc
Celia de Pablo Esteban scored once and added two assists in Daemen's season-opening defeat of Bloomfield
2
Bloomfield BCBWSOC (0-1-0)
5
Winner Daemen DAEW (1-0-0)
Bloomfield BCBWSOC
(0-1-0)
2
Final
5
Daemen DAEW
(1-0-0)
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
Bloomfield BCBWSOC 0 2 2
Daemen DAEW 4 1 5

Game Recap: Women's Soccer | | By Jake Carlson, Athletics Communications Graduate Assistant

Women's Soccer Scores Five in 2018 Season Opener

AMHERST, N.Y. – Four goals from four different players in the first half paved the way for the Daemen College women's soccer team in a 5-2 win against visiting Bloomfield College in non-conference action at Karrer Field this afternoon. The victory marked the Wildcats' first in a season opener since 2014 while also staying undefeated in the all-time series with Bloomfield. 

The Wildcats offensive onslaught started early in the first half when Katja Meyer (Verona, N.Y.) received a through ball between the left-back and center-back from Bloomfield. Meyer was able to control and shoot into the lower right corner to put the Wildcats up 1-0 less then three minutes into the contest. 

Daemen was able to dominate and control possession in the midfield with strong games from Lindsay Ciaramella (St. George, Ont.) and Celia de Pablo Esteban (Burgos, Spain). The 4-4-2 diamond formation that coach Dan Dolan prefers allowed the Wildcats to keep the game in the center of the field. With Ciaramella and de Pablo Esteban at the helm of the offensive attack, this allowed right-back Alex Valenti (Clarence, N.Y.) to play higher and serve in a winger role at times while also back-tracking on defense.

With Daemen already in charge, de Pablo Esteban received a ball down the right wing when she put in a cross for midfielder Sam Hanes (North Tonawanda, N.Y.) who was able to control the ball off her chest past the Bloomfield keeper for an easy tap in for the Wildcats second goal in the 21st minute.

A two-goal lead can often be the most dangerous in soccer, but when the Bears gave the ball away in the midfield, freshman Kayleigh Daniels (Newfane, N.Y.) was able to possess the ball and sprint down the left side. As Daniels entered the box junior defender Melinda Heffernan of Bloomfield put in a sliding challenge ultimately bringing down Daniels in the box. Head referee B.J. Dunham immediately signaled for a penalty. Junior forward and 2017 top goal-scorer Jamie Boyar (Williamsville, N.Y.) took the ensuiring penalty kick for Daemen. She approached the ball to slotted it into the left corner in the 33rd minute.  Senior Bloomfield goalie Emira Sela guessed the correct direction on the penalty, but Boyar's shot had too much pace on it.

The final goal of the first half again came right before halftime from yet another player in freshman midfielder Grace Stranahan (Grand Island, N.Y.). Sophomore midfielder Kaylyn Phillips (Niagara Falls, N.Y.) possessed the ball, again coming down the left side, when Stranahan found space at the top of the box. Phillips fed the ball when Stranahan was able to finesse the ball inside the right post. This marked Stranahan's first goal as a Wildcat.

With Monique Green (Williamsville, N.Y.) and Sam D'Agostino (Mississauga, Ont.) leading the backline in the first half, the stout Daemen defense only allowed two shots to Bloomfield. Daemen was able to rack up 15 first half shots.

The second half started off sloppy from both teams as both were consistently giving the ball away. In the first 42 seconds of the second half, the Bears broke through the Wildcats' defense. Bloomfield's freshman forward Emma Martinetti was able to get a fortunate bounce and pass the ball into the net for the Bears' first goal. This was the first shot on goal for the Bears.

As the second half progressed, both teams were able to settle down and control the ball. The next two goals for both teams served as offensive highlights for each team to look toward. In the 54th minute, de Pablo Esteban was given a gift in front of the goal. Boyar's centering pass deflected off Meyer in the box, and the ball then landed at de Pablo Esteban's feet for a golden opportunity to put the ball away in the back of the net, which she did. 

The final goal of the game came from freshman forward Victoria Napolitano, who capitalized on a failed clearance from the Wildcats at the top of the box in the 80th minute. 

Daemen now travels to Wilmington, Del. for two games. The first comes this Saturday, September 1 against Goldey-Beacom College (1 p.m.), followed by a game on Labor Day against Wilmington University (11 a.m., Monday, Sept. 3).

For the latest information on Daemen Athletics, follow the Wildcats via social media on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram, or sign up to receive customizable news alerts, e-mail newsletters and weekly schedule alerts.

 
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