WEST CHESTER, Pa. -- True freshman
Katelyn Economopoulos (Grantville, Pa./Lower Dauphin) stole the spotlight at Rockwell Field Wednesday afternoon, notching her first two collegiate goals and an assist, as the No. 6 Kutztown University women's soccer team (4-0-1, 3-0-0 PSAC East) downed rivals No. 12 West Chester (2-1-1, 2-1-0 PSAC East) 3-0.
Economopoulos got things going early for the Golden Bears, rifling home a shot from distance only 38 seconds in to give KU the early advantage. The Grantville, Pa. native was then involved in the Golden Bears' second goal, 36 minutes into the match, when her corner kick was knocked home by Bridget Curtis (Warrington, Pa./Central Bucks South). It was Curtis' second goal of the season and second in two games. Isabella Rossetti (Cherry Hill, N.J./Cherry Hill East) was also credited with an assist on the goal, her first of the season.
After a goal and an assist in the first half, Economopoulos was still not done. In the 55th minute, Caroline McDonald (Exton, Pa./Downingtown East) whipped in a cross that found the head of a wide open Economopoulos, who capped off a spectacular performance with her second goal of the contest. Despite the Golden Rams' best efforts, the KU defense was able to keep them off the board and hand West Chester their first regular season loss and shutout since Nov. 6, 2021.
KU led the way in shots (15-8) and shots on goal in the match (8-3). West Chester edged out the Golden Bears in corner kicks (8-7). Along with the goal scorers, McDonald, Taylor Rapel (Phillipsburg, N.J./Phillipsburg), Joslyn Stoltz (Levittown, Pa./Calvary Christian Academy), and Allie Tierney (Galloway, N.J./Absegami) registered a shot on goal. Alyson Cutter was West Chester's most dangerous attacker going forward, ending the match with two shots, one on goal.
In goal, Cassandra Baker (Harrisburg, Pa./Central Dauphin) got the start and made three saves for KU, registering her first clean sheet of the season. Grace Keen made five saves for the Golden Rams. The Golden Bear backline of Curtis, Dana Wentz (Lancaster, Pa./Conestoga Valley), Skyler Jordan (Nazareth, Pa./Nazareth), and Maura Day (Huntington Valley, Pa./Abington) were crucial in helping Baker preserve KU's shutout.
It's a massive early season win for Erik Burstein and his Golden Bears. West Chester has been a bogeyman of sorts for KU, eliminating the Golden Bears in the last two NCAA Tournaments. It's the highest regular-season ranked win for KU since defeating No. 7 West Chester on Sept. 7, 2013.
The Golden Bears will look to stay unbeaten and keep the momentum rolling on Saturday, Sept. 16 as Shippensburg makes the trip to Keystone Field. Kick off is slated for 1 p.m.
