Box Score BRONX, N.Y. – The 2014 women's soccer season started with a bang on Wednesday afternoon, as the host Lehman Lightning defeated Yeshiva University, 8-1, in a non-conference match. It was the season opener for both programs, and was the first game under interim head coach Casey Melilli.
"I thought we started off a bit slow," Melilli reflected. "But once we found our rhythm, we played very well."
Freshman Lillian Barreto (Bronx, N.Y./Truman) made an immediate impact for the Lightning, scoring three goals in her first college game, including the eventual game-winner.
After a scoreless first half, Yeshiva took a 1-0 lead in the 48th minute of play. From there, Lehman dominated.
Junior striker Juliana Generoso (New Rochelle, N.Y./New Rochelle) opened the scoring for the hosts on a breakaway, as she deftly slid the ball past the goalkeeper in the open field. Barreto found the back of the net next, taking an assist from classmate Pamela Sanchez (Yonkers, N.Y./Saunders). It was one of two assists on the day for the midfielder.
Lehman's third goal came as Generoso drove down the field, and sent a cross into the box, where Barreto easily headed the ball in.
In all, five different Lehman players scored, including junior midfielder Melanie Varillas (New Rochelle, N.Y./New Rochelle), junior forward Thamare Rejouis (Brooklyn, N.Y./Science Skills Center), and junior defender Samantha Dias (Ronkonkoma, N.Y./Connetquot).
Freshman netminder Stephanie Gonzalez (Yonkers, N.Y./Gorton) played all 90 minutes, making one save.
The Lightning will next play on Sunday, August 31, at local Bronx foe Mt. St. Vincent. The game will take place at 2:00 p.m., and will be the first game played on CMSV's new on-campus field.
