Pride Upset Falcons to Advance to GNAC Semifinals

Photo Courtesy of Christopher Salazar '29

NEW HAVEN, Conn. — The fifth-seeded Regis College women's soccer team pulled off a thrilling 2–0 upset over fourth-seeded Albertus Magnus in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) quarterfinals on Saturday, punching their ticket to the semifinals against top-seeded Emmanuel College.

Brooke McAloney (Hanson, Mass.) and Mia Carll (Shrewsbury, Mass.) each found the back of the net, while Julia Benvegnu(Watertown, Conn.) tallied an assist to help fuel the victory. In goal, Daniela Mazo (Bridgeport, Conn.) stood tall, making six saves in 45 minutes of action to secure the win.

How it Happened

The Pride wasted no time grabbing an advantage when McAloney scored from 30 yards out on a free kick to put Regis ahead just over four minutes into the game. The Falcons looked to even the slate, but Mazo had other plans, turning away five shots, including a key save in the 42nd minute that could have equalized the match before halftime.

In the second half, Cassidy Van Cott (Santa Monica, Calif.) came up big, being called upon just five minutes in to deny the equalizer. First-years Benvegnu and Leah Snyder (Hope, Maine) each had chances to extend the Pride's lead shortly after, but the Falcons' keeper held firm. Van Cott added a pair of saves to her tally before Benvegnu connected with Carll or an insurance goal tp put the Pride ahead, 2-0, in the 80th minute.

Four minutes later, the Pride had a chance to extend their lead with a penalty kick, but it was stopped. Still, two goals proved to be enough as the Pride went on to secure a 2–0 GNAC quarterfinal victory over the Falcons. 

Inside the Numbers

• The Pride advance to the GNAC semifinals for the first time since joining the conference, marking a historic milestone for the program.
• With today's victory, the Pride extended their impressive winning streak to eight consecutive matches.
• Brooke McAloney recorded her second game-winner of the year with her early strike. 

Up Next

The Pride will make the short trip into Boston for the GNAC Semifinals to face the top-seeded Emmanuel College Saints on Wednesday, November 5, with the game time to be announced.