Yale Athletics

The Yale women’s soccer team (5–3, 0–0 Ivy) took on Sacred Heart (0–5–1, 0–2 MAAC) during their home game this past Thursday, Sept. 19. 

In a 2–1 game, the Bulldogs secured their fifth win of the season, ahead of the team’s game against Dartmouth on Sep. 28 for its first Ivy League match. 

Coming off a win against Seton Hall on Sep. 14, Yale was looking to build momentum before their first Ivy League game. On the other hand, Sacred Heart hoped to come out with their first win of the season. 

The Bulldogs quickly settled into their style of play having ease playing from the back and controlling the center of the pitch. The team was able to control the first half of the game thanks to its aggressive high press. 

From each Sacred Heart goal kick, to every lost possession, the team sought to unsettle the opponent’s back line which had trouble advancing the ball with control. 

“Defensively we constantly say — we will defend less if we win the ball back as quickly and if not, we need to get numbers behind the ball and be physical with runners,” Coach Sarah Martinez told the News. 

With the Bulldogs’ pressing strategy playing out well, the Bulldogs were able to link up in the middle third comfortably. Still, it wasn’t until the 44th minute that Yale got a great chance on net. 

Ellie Rappolle ’25 was tackled in the box for a penalty. With two goals and two assists in the season, Rappolle added another goal to her tally, shooting left and sending the goalie in the wrong direction. The Bulldogs soared into the lead. 

Yale started strong in the second half ramping up their shot attempts. The Bulldogs aimed to increase their lead by producing two dangerous shots and having a goal ruled out for offside within five minutes. As they sustained their offensive plays, the team comfortably handled Sacred Heart attacks, mainly consisting of long ball attempts through the middle. 

However, in the 57th minute, Sacred Heart found an equalizer through Morgan Bovardi who finished a well-played sequence that started from the back.

The Elis quickly responded. Four minutes after Yale conceded the goal, Andie Miller ’27 returned the lead by scoring her first collegiate goal. Miller headed the ball into the top left corner from a lofted corner kick by Alanna Butcher ’25. 

“As a center back I never really get chances on goal so it was surreal to score my first collegiate goal,” Miller told the News. “Alanna Butcher played me a perfect ball and I was just able to jump up and head it in. I’m just happy I was able to contribute to a much-deserved win.” 

From there on, Yale stayed in control of the game as they limited Sacred Heart to four shots in the second half compared to their eleven attempts. 

Martinez told the News that she was happy with the team’s performance.

“I thought we created some quality chances and showcased our identity and brand of soccer,” she added. “We are at our best when we are able to press teams and I think we showcased that in many stretches of last night’s game.”

The women’s soccer team displayed a confident and controlled performance. Their next game is at Dartmouth on Saturday, Sept. 28, at 7 p.m., against a team that Martinez described as “organized” and “difficult to break down.” 

The upcoming game against Dartmouth will be available to watch on ESPN+.