WEST HAVEN, Connecticut – The American International College field hockey team opened its season on Thursday, September 5, falling to the New Haven Chargers 2-1 in a nonconference matchup.
The game marked the first in the head coaching career of Kylie Gargiulo.
The Yellow Jacket penalty corner attack struck late in the first quarter, as a shot from Mia Wood was knocked down deep inside the circle, then tapped around and in by Morgan Martellio.
The first half saw the Yellow Jackets make accurate attempts in the attacking half of the field, rattling off five shots, all on goal, while holding the Chargers without one, despite drawing six penalty corners.
The Chargers scored the tying goal on a penalty corner under five minutes into the third quarter, as Kat Trammel found the ball as it rolled around in front of the cage.
The next few minutes became a track meet, as both teams made quick offensive attempts on transition. Trammel attempted to break free from the pursuing Yellow Jacket defense but was stopped at the edge of the circle. Moments later, a sprinting Sydney Moda drew goalkeeper Frederique den Hartog away from her cage, but Maddie Darling was at the goal line to make a key defensive save.
The teams were drawn at one goal per side after 45 minutes of play.
AIC drew two penalty corners early in the fourth quarter but were unable to beat Cara Lambert. Shortly thereafter, Trammel broke free behind the Yellow Jacket defense in transition, but den Hartog, five yards north of her cage, made a strong and clean stop of the ranging Charger attacker.
New Haven broke through to take its first lead with 2:27 remaining, as Erin Smith picked off a clearing pass from AIC and found Moda down low.
den Hartog made two saves in her collegiate debut, as the Chargers fired ten shots, five on goal. The Yellow Jackets also had ten shots but had seven on target.
The Yellow Jackets hold their home opener on Wednesday, September 11 as they welcome the Saint Michael's College Purple Knights for a nonconference battle at Ronald J. Abdow Field. Game time is scheduled for 4:00 pm. Fans can tune into the game on FloSports through the link on aicyellowjackets.com.
