Sparkill, N.Y. - The St. Thomas Aquinas College Women's Soccer team posted a 2-0 shutout victory over Alliance University (formerly Nyack College) in the team's 2022 home opener on Wednesday afternoon at Spartan Field.

STAC moves to 1-3 on the young season, while Alliance drops to 1-3.

Back and forth action between the teams highlighted the first half, and although neither side could get onto the scoresheet, Alliance got the better of the opportunities to put one to the back of the net. AU held a 7-1 shots advantage through the first 45 minutes of play.

When the teams returned from the halftime break, it would be the Spartans who would go on the attack. Pushing the pace of play, STAC struck for its first goal of the afternoon in the 62nd minute, as a shot by Amandajane Fuchs-White found its way on goal and was saved by Alliance keeper Celine Grothe. However, Grothe would not be able to corral the ball and the rebound was put home by Sarai Rodriguez to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.

In the final minute of action, STAC got the insurance goal it needed when keeper Colleen Stevens would punt the ball down field and amidst a scramble in the box, Ileana Santiago gained possession and sent a floating shot over the head of Grothe, to the back of the net to make it 2-0. That would be all the Spartans would need to pick up their first victory of the season.

Inside the Box Score

• Sarai Rodriguez tallied the first goal of her collegiate career in Wednesday's match.
• Ileana Santiago's goal is the third of her career as a member of the Spartans.
• Colleen Stevens (W, 1-0) saw action between the sticks for the first time in the new season, making four stops. Alessandra Santoriello got the start for the Spartans and made one save.
• Alliance outshot STAC by a 13-7 margin, with each side earning four corners apiece.

Up Next
St. Thomas Aquinas heads back out on the road, taking on Roberts Wesleyan College to open ECC action on Saturday, September 10. Kick-off is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. in Rochester, N.Y.