DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. — Powered by goals from freshman Gracie DiPalo (Manorville, N.Y./Eastport South Manor), senior Maleah Tarin (Eastvale, Calif./Chino Hills) and sophomore Hailey Metzger (Levittown, N.Y./MacArthur), the Mercy University Women's Soccer Team earned a 3-0 win over Goldey-Beacom College on Sunday afternoon at Mercy Field.
The Mavericks (2-0) start 2-0 for the first time since 2017 and defeat the Lightning (0-2) for the third straight time.
The first half between Mercy and Goldey-Beacom saw a strong offensive effort from Mercy, who dominated possession and created numerous scoring opportunities. Metzger led Mercy's attack with three shots on goal, all saved by Goldey-Beacom's goalkeeper, Malaika Nunziata. Despite Mercy's aggressive play, including five corner kicks, they were unable to convert their chances into goals. Goldey-Beacom's defense held firm, with Nunziata making several key saves to keep the score level at 0-0 by the end of the half.
Mercy secured a decisive victory over Goldey-Beacom with a 3-0 scoreline in the second half. The first goal came early in the half when DiPalo scored in the 58th minute with an assist from Tarin. Mercy continued to press offensively, resulting in a second goal by Tarin in the 76th minute, assisted by junior Sarah Lill Hanks (Skedsmokorset, Norway/High Point University). Metzger sealed the match with a third goal in the 88th minute, assisted by senior Emma Best (Farmingdale, N.Y./Farmingdale). Mercy's defense kept the Lightning at bay, with goalkeeper Nunziata making several crucial saves throughout the half.
DiPalo scored the game-winning goal, her first collegiate goal, converting her single shot into a decisive moment for the team. Metzger added a goal and led with six shots, five of which were on target. Tarin impacted both the offense and playmaking with one goal and one assist. Best and Hanks both added an assist. Sophomore Anneliese Becker (Stafford, Va./Mountain View) secured a shutout, facing two shots and maintaining a clean sheet over 90 minutes.
Nunziata stood out with an impressive performance in goal, recording 10 saves across 90 minutes of play. Her efforts came in two evenly split halves, with five saves in each. Despite facing 22 shots and conceding three goals, Nunziata's resilience was evident. Jenna Campagna, contributing from the midfield, managed to register one of the team's few shots, while forward Jessica Jensen also added to the offensive efforts with another shot attempt.
Mercy held a 22-2 edge in shots, a 13-0 edge in shots on goal, and a 12-0 edge in corner kicks.
Looking ahead, Mercy prepares to host Chestnut Hill College on September 13, with the match set to begin at 2:30 p.m. in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y.
