TUCSON, Ariz. – The Arizona women’s soccer team routed UC Riverside 6-0 in its home opener Friday night at Murphey Field at Mulcahy Stadium.
Arizona (3-0) got things going on offense early, registering the first goal of the contest in the ninth minute when junior Mykaylin Rosenquist tallied her first score of the season, with teammate Alexandra Doller getting the assist.
Freshman Jaden DeGracie and sophomore Hannah Wong also picked up goals in the first half to put the Wildcats up 3-0.
“It was surreal,” DeGracie said. “We put in the hard work all summer, and as a team, we’re very united. Coming out with a win is unbelievable.”
In the second half, Doller picked up her third goal of the season, with Kaitlyn Lopez getting the assist. Freshmen Justene Kesterson and Haley Silverberg recorded their first goals of the season to complete the scoring.
Arizona outshot UC Riverside (1-2) 16-6, with Lopez, Rosenquist and Emily Lai leading the team with two shots apiece.
“I’m definitely pleased,” Wildcats coach Tony Amato said. “Any time your team prepares a proper way, works really hard and does everything you ask, you can only hope that they get the reward and results of it. Soccer is a funny sport, because you can do everything right but be on the wrong end of it.”
In net, Arizona goalkeeper Gabby Kaufman recorded three saves in 76 minutes played. Sophomore Alison Gondosch replaced Kaufman with 14 minutes remaining in the match. UC Riverside goalkeeper Elizabeth Silas played the first half before Nicole Ragano came on for the second half and recorded three saves.
“For the team to carry out the game plan and have six different people score goals and get the shutout, there’s so many positives to build off of,” Amato said. “It’s exciting for us, and we’re very happy with the progress we’re making.”
Arizona next travels to Columbus, Ohio, to take on Ohio State on Sunday.
