Chelsea DeVerna's Early Goal Leads University of Albany Women's Soccer Past Iona in Home Opener - UAlbany Sports 2010

Albany, N.Y. - Forward Chelsea DeVerna netted her first goal of the season and goalkeeper Breanna Maggio matched a Division I school record by registering her fourth career shutout to lead the UAlbany women's soccer team to a 1-0 victory over Iona in its home opener at Varsity Field on Wednesday, Sept. 1.

UAlbany (1-2), which won its home opener for the third straight season, got all the scoring it needed in the 15th minute. Chrissy Klepper tracked down a loose ball inside the box and sent in a cross from the left side. Chelsea DeVerna, who was last season's America East Conference Rookie of the Year, trapped the pass and rifled a shot that beat the Iona goalkeeper to the far post. Katie Grant had a good look at an open net and a chance to double the lead before the break, but she one-timed a shot that went just high of the goal.

The Great Danes had multiple chances to add to their lead late in the second half. Maggie DeVerna had a one-on-one breakaway against goalkeeper Jacquelyn Gates in the 84th minute, but the netminder made a diving save. Chelsea DeVerna collected the rebound and also had a chance to send the ball to the back of the net. However, her shot went wide.

Shayla Bergeron used her blazing speed to beat several players from both sides to a loose ball just minutes later, but her open look with Gates out of the net was turned away by a Gael defender. Defensively, the Great Danes successfully cleared away four corner kicks taken by Iona (1-4) in the last 45 minutes and only allowed the Gaels to attempt a minimal amount of their shots from inside the box to help secure the win.

UAlbany's Maggio made five saves on 11 chances to earn her first shutout victory of the season in net. Iona's Trista Rivera started the match and was credited with the loss after making one stop on 10 opportunities. She was replaced in the second half by Gates, who turned away four of the 12 shots she faced.

The Great Danes continue their four-game homestand on Friday, Sept. 10 when they host Temple of the Atlantic 10 Conference at 4 p.m.
Paw Prints: UAlbany won its third straight home opener at Varsity Field ... The squad also defeated Youngstown State, 2-1, in 2008 and Iona by a 2-0 decision last season ... Sophomore goalkeeper Breanna Maggio matched Cate Crenson's Division I school record for career shutouts ... Crenson recorded four clean sheets during the 2009 season.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information