BURNABY, B.C. – Midfielder
Chelsea Crocq recorded her first university goal, and goalkeeper
Sarah Loewen earned her first shutout and win as Simon Fraser triumphed 1-0 over MSU Denver Friday night at the SFU Stadium at Terry Fox Field.
The non-conference game was the 2022 NCAA Division II women's soccer season opener for both teams.
True freshman Crocq scored just before halftime – in the 43rd minute – from the top of the six-yard box.
She knocked in a pass from junior forward
Kiara Buono, who outmuscled two Roadrunners defenders to push the ball from the left side of the penalty area to her wide-open teammate.
"I was just hoping for the ball to get to me," said Crocq. "Kiara (Buono) battled amazingly, she won the ball and poked it through and I just had to finish it."
Chelsea Crocq. Photo by Wilson Wong
Loewen, a redshirt freshman, made her first appearance for SFU in an official NCAA game. She stopped four shots for the clean sheet and victory.
Sarah Loewen. Photo by Wilson Wong
Junior midfielder
Giuliana Zaurrini led SFU with three shots, all on goal.
Giuliana Zaurrini. Photo by Wilson Wong
The best chance for MSU Denver came soon after halftime. From just beyond the penalty area on the right side of the field, a looping Kate Giordano shot in the 49th minute hit the top of the crossbar and bounced out of play.
In an evenly played game, the Roadrunners held an 8-5 advantage in shots and corner kicks, and recorded 52 per cent possession of the ball.
In addition to Crocq and Loewen, four others players made their SFU debuts Friday. Sophomore forward
Isabella Muzzolini starred for Georgia last season, while sophomore midfielder
Avery Tulloch is a transfer from Fraser Valley.
Eve LaFontaine played all 90 minutes on defence, and midfielder
Kaiden Sherwood came into the contest as a substitute. Both are true freshmen.
"It felt awesome playing back on a Canadian pitch under the lights," said Muzzolini. "This is my home. Not only is it where I grew up, but I also feel like the girls have made SFU feel like home as well. The team culture is great, and it is easy to work hard when everyone else is battling with you."
Emily Smith. Photo by Wilson Wong
SFU's next match is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 1 in Bellingham, Washington, against Concordia (Calif.). The neutral-site contest will take place at 12 noon on the campus of Western Washington University.
For the latest information on SFU Athletics, visit
athletics.sfu.ca. You can also find us on social media at @SFU_Athletics.
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