AMHERST, N.Y. -- Three freshmen scored their first career goals as the Daemen University women's soccer team (1-1-1) took down Post University (0-3) in a goal fest on Friday morning. The Wildcats outshot the Eagles 17-9 along with 11 shots on goal to register Daemen's first win of the 2026 season.
Daemen built a 3-0 first-half lead, starting with
Zainab Khalid's (Penfield, N.Y.) goal 1:15 into the match. The pressure continued with
Lily Macfarlane (Murcott, England) forcing a save,
Mia Wright (Liverpool, N.Y.) adding a shot and the Wildcats earning a corner before
Aliyah Hien (Kenmore, Wash.) scored off Macfarlane's assist at 8:24 to make it 2-0. Macfarlane put another shot on frame, the Wildcats earned another corner, and
Macayla Hansen (Highlands Ranch, Colo.) converted a penalty kick at 13:51 for a three-goal advantage. Post answered with a trio goals to tie the match in the 22nd minute, and the Wildcats' later chances included a corner in the 26th minute and a Chloé Cardone (Hilton, N.Y.) shot before the half ended 3-3.
Bridey McKenzie (Amherst, N.Y.) broke a 3-3 tie at 62:24, scoring off assists from Wright and
Mia Dickens (Boise, Id.), then added another goal at 65:58 from Hansen to give the Wildcats a 5-3 lead. Earlier in the half, Hansen helped keep the Wildcats active in the attack with three shots, while
Rylee Kumer (Ambridge, Pa.) saved a Post shot in the 53rd minute to keep the match level. After McKenzie's second goal, the Eagles managed to take two shots, but the Wildcats kept the visitors off the scoreboard. The Wildcats also generated late pressure with four shots and two corner kicks from 82:19 to 89:08, and finished off the 5-3 win.
McKenzie scored twice on two shots on goal and recorded the game-winning goal. Hansen finished with a goal and an assist while leading the Wildcats with four shots. Khalid scored the first goal on her lone shot on goal. Hien added a goal and put both of her shots on frame.
The Wildcats remain at home in their four-game homestand this Sunday when they welcome Tiffin to Royal Park for an 11 AM tilt.
