MEADVILLE, Pa. – The Allegheny women's soccer team opened Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) play at home against Chatham Wednesday (Sept. 24), defeating the Cougars 2-0 on a pair of second half goals.
In the opening 45 minutes of play, neither team was able to find the first goal of the game. For Allegheny,
Katherine Surdykowski (Chesterfield, N.J./Northern Burlington County Regional),
Casey Bender (Allentown, Pa./Emmaus),
Sydney Nichols (Fort Collins, Colo./Heritage Christian Academy),
Camryn Kunz (New Kensington, Pa./Kiski Area) and
Savannah Wilde (Lancaster, Ohio/Bloom-Carroll) put shots on target as the Gators owned an overall 9-5 advantage in the category.
The Allegheny offense continued to pressure the Cougar defense in the second half. The pressure finally paid off in the 62nd minute.
Serena Carnahan (Plum, Pa./Plum) found Nichols on a long pass towards the far side of the box. Nichols received the pass and took a step around a defender. She then lofted a shot from the far side over the goalkeeper for the tally. The goal marked the first of her collegiate career.
The Gators added to their lead with a goal in the 87th minute. This time, the goal came on a set piece.
Emma Tikey (Connellsville, Pa./Connellsville) served up a free kick through the box to Surdykowski. Surdykowski got a quick foot on it and shot it past the goalie as the lead reached 2-0. The goal marked Surdykowski's fourth of the season and Tikey's first assist.
Inside the Box
- Nichols scored in the 62nd minute to give the Gators the lead.
- Surdykowski, assisted by Tikey, scored in the 87th minute.
- Alex Augustine (Fishers, Ind./Hamilton Southeastern) earned the shutout in goal, making eight saves.
News and Notes
- Allegheny is now 4-2 all-time against Chatham.
- Nichols scored her first collegiate goal.
- Surdykowski scored her 16th career goal.
- Tikey had her second career assist.
Up Next
The Gators travel to Grove City Saturday (Sep. 27).
