HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. – The Centenary University women's soccer team opened its 2026 campaign at home Wednesday afternoon, falling to William Paterson University, 3-0, at J.E. Reeves Jr. Field.
The Cyclones (0-1) battled the Pioneers through a scoreless opening 45 minutes before William Paterson broke through with three second-half goals. Centenary goalkeeper Naveah O'Keefe was tested early and often in the opening half. O'Keefe turned away three shots within the first nine minutes of play to keep the game scoreless.
Dara Frieder generated the Cyclones' first offensive opportunity in the 15th minute, sending a shot wide left. The Centenary defense continued to hold strong throughout the remainder of the first half. O'Keefe added three more saves, including one in the closing seconds of the period, as the Cyclones and Pioneers entered halftime tied at 0-0.
William Paterson broke the scoreless tie in the 57th minute when Ella Aranda found the back of the net to give the Pioneers a 1-0 advantage. Centenary looked to respond almost immediately, as Taylor Fallon recorded a shot less than a minute after the opening goal, but her attempt went high.
The Pioneers extended their lead in the 70th minute on a goal from Jules Schmidt. Samantha Donovan added the final goal of the afternoon with 42 seconds remaining to bring the game to its final 3-0 score.
O'Keefe played all 90 minutes in goal for the Cyclones and finished the afternoon with eight saves. She recorded six of those stops in the first half while helping Centenary keep William Paterson off the scoreboard through the opening 45 minutes. William Paterson finished with a 26-2 advantage in shots, including an 11-0 edge in shots on goal. Frieder and Fallon accounted for Centenary's two attempts.
The Cyclones move to 0-1 on the season following their home opener. The Cyclones take the field again on Saturday, September 5th, at 12PM as they host Cairn.
