UB's defense continues to roll in shutout of NYIT

The University of Bridgeport women's soccer team won its first eight games of the season primarily because of a defense that has only allowed two goals so far.

"That's been our strongest point all season" UB Head Coach Magnus Nilerud said.

The defensive excellence for the Purple Knights continued on Saturday as UB topped NYIT 2-0 to improve to 9-0 on the season and 3-0 in the East Coast Conference. It was UB's fifth consecutive game without allowing a goal.

Julia Hansson, the team's goalie, recorded eight more saves, giving her 57 on the season. However, Hansson gave much of the credit to the team's backfielders.

"We have a really good defense, and they make it easy for me to pick up the balls," she said. "We work good together in the back."

UB's opponents are now 2-for-97 on shots this season.

The two goals for the Purple Knights were scored off free kicks by senior midfielder Katie Stanley, the first coming with 35:11 left in the first half, the second coming 13 minutes later. The goals were Stanley's fourth and fifth of the season,

The Purple Knights did not score in the second half, which Stanley attributes to trying slow the game down.

Nilerud expressed some concern that the team was growing a little cocky, and not putting in the same amount of effort.

"We need to stay somewhat grounded," he said.

Both teams committed one yellow card, and neither side had a red card.

Coming up next for UB is a road match against St. Anselm College on October 4^th before traveling to face ECC opponent Molloy College on the 8^th. Despite St. Anselm's 1-6-2 record, Nilerud does not consider it a trap game.

"We're not fooled," he said. "That record does not speak for them."

The Purple Knights return to Knights Field on October 13^th at 4:00 P.M. to take on another ECC opponent, Post University.