Bulldogs secure first 2-0 start in Division I history with 2-0 win over Gaels Sunday afternoon

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant University women's soccer team defended exceptionally for a second-straight game and upped its pressure offensively, as it put forth a complete performance in a 2-0 home-opening victory over Iona College on Sunday.

The Bulldogs (2-0) were the aggressors in front of their home crowd, as they won the shot battle, 18-9. Freshman midfielder Caitlyn Linden (Newtown, Conn.) attempted four shots and sent two on target, finding the back of the net once. Junior forward Haley Reddish (Natick, Mass.) fired two shots on goal, one being a penalty kick that she buried in the first half. Defender Brigitte Donaghy (Toronto, Ont.) played all 90 minutes and had an assist, and senior goalie Kaylan Conrad (Avon, Conn.) completed her 13th career shutout with three saves.

The Gaels (0-2) were swarmed by the hosts blistering defense, only directing three of their nine shots on target. Midfielder Mariana Jaramillo attempted four shots with one on net, mid Julia Campagna blasted her only shot in the direction of Conrad, and forward Charlotte Stuart fired two shots with one on goal.

It was an afternoon of many firsts, as Linden recorded her first career goal, the Bulldogs won their first home opener since 2009 and began a season 2-0 for the first time in their Division I history. They attained these three accomplishments by being assertive on the offensive end early on with 10 shots coming in the first half, five of which were on goal.

Freshman Remi Manna (Pleasantville, N.Y.) got taken down in the box in the 16th minute of the opening frame to force a penalty. Reddish calmly approached the penalty mark and easily struck the shot into the net to give her team the early lead.  

It didn't take long for the advantage to grow, as Donaghy handled one of the Bulldogs seven corners in the 21st minute. She lofted the ball into the box and found the head of Linden who directed the pass into the upper right of the net.

The Bulldogs maintained their pressure, adding eight more shots in the second half with two on goal. A couple near misses could have widened the margin even more, but the defense was stout yet again, limiting the Gaels to a 30.0 shooting percentage.

The Bulldogs will try to build on this impressive start when they take to the road for three straight contests, starting at Yale on Friday, August 26 at 4:00 p.m.