Cornell women’s soccer secured a 1-0 victory over La Salle on Thursday at Berman Field, fueled by senior midfielder Mariana Kessinger’s first-half goal and a resilient defensive effort. The win improved the Big Red to 2-0-1 on the season.
Freshman goalkeeper Samantha Qureshey recorded her second clean sheet, stopping all three first-half shots and facing no attempts after the break. Cornell’s defense stifled La Salle for the final 67-plus minutes, keeping the Explorers off the scoreboard.
The decisive goal came after a La Salle miscue on a clearance. Sophomore defender Amanda Polyniak’s right-flank cross found Kessinger, who finished with a precise one-touch strike from just outside the 18-yard box, leaving La Salle’s goalkeeper Mackenzie Yaracs with no chance.
Cornell remains unbeaten in its first three games for the third consecutive year, allowing only one goal in that span, the fewest since 2019.
The Big Red will conclude its home stretch Sunday against Kent State at 1 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].