EAST STROUDSBURG, Pa. - Madeline DeVico tallied a pair of unassisted goals to led the 15th-ranked East Stroudsburg women's soccer team to a 2-0 shutout against 23rd-ranked Gannon Friday afternoon in a battle of nationally-ranked programs.
The contest was played on even terms throughout with the exception of East Stroudsburg's two scores. Each team got five shots off during the first stanza, but DeVico's unassisted goal with 2:27 remaining in the half provided the only scoring.
East Stroudsburg held a slim 7-5 edge in shots during the final 45 minutes. Gannon was able to get three potential game-tying shots on goal in the second half, but ESU goalkeeper Brittain Wagner preserved the shutout each time. The Lady Knights were turned away by goalkeeper saves in the 61st, 70th and 90th minutes. In the process, DeVico added a second unassisted goal with 7:01 remaining to ice the victory.
The home squad out-shot Gannon 12-10 overall and held a 4-2 advantage in corner kicks. The Warriors committed 14 fouls compared to the Lady Knights' four.
Sarah Geffel (Apollo, Pa./Kiski Area) recorded two saves for Gannon while Wagner had four stops for the Warriors.
Gannon, ranked 23rd in the latest National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Top 25, dropped to 2-1 overall and within the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) with its first loss of the campaign. East Stroudsburg, tabbed 15th in the NSCAA Top 25, remained undefeated at 3-0 overall and in league play. The Lady Knights conclude a weekend road trip Saturday, September 14 at West Chester. Game time is scheduled for 12 noon.
