The Syracuse women’s soccer team waited nearly 90 minutes for a breakthrough Thursday night, but Abby Incorvaia delivered when it mattered most.
Incorvaia converted a penalty kick with 58 seconds remaining to lift Syracuse to a 1-0 victory over Northwestern in Evanston, Illinois, keeping the Orange unbeaten through their first three matches.
The game remained scoreless for most of the night, with both defenses limiting quality opportunities. Northwestern held a 5-3 advantage in shots during the opening half, while each team managed one shot on target.
Syracuse goalkeeper Maya Naimoli made several important stops to keep the match level, including a point-blank save on Megan Norkett in the 66th minute. Northwestern finished with nine shots overall, but only five reached the target.
The deciding sequence unfolded in the final minute. Kendall Mesh started a Syracuse transition with a throw-in to freshman Lauren Christy, who eventually received the ball back on the right side after a pass through Julie Arbelaez. Christy’s attempt was deflected into the hands of Northwestern goalkeeper Nyamma Nelson.
A subsequent video review determined that Northwestern committed a handball inside the penalty area, giving Syracuse its opportunity from the spot.
Incorvaia stepped up and calmly buried a left-footed shot into the top corner for her first collegiate goal.
The Orange then held on through the final seconds to secure their second victory of the season. Syracuse has now converted both of its penalty kicks this season.
Naimoli recorded her second shutout and has allowed just one goal through three matches.
Syracuse returns home Sunday, August 23, to host Princeton at noon.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.