Syracuse women’s soccer finished its Senior Day with a hard-fought scoreless draw against Harvard on Sunday at the SU Soccer Stadium, moving the Orange to 3-1-2 on the season.
The two teams traded quality chances throughout the afternoon, but both goalkeepers kept the match off the scoreboard. Maya Naimoli was particularly sharp for Syracuse, making five saves and recording her fourth shutout in five starts this season.
Harvard created one of its best opportunities when Brooke Huleatt received a pass from Molly Vana inside the box and fired from close range. Naimoli reacted quickly to kick the attempt away and preserve the deadlock.
The Orange nearly broke through with less than two minutes remaining after Farrah Stephens-Martin drew a foul inside the box. Vickie Jones stepped up for the penalty kick, but Harvard goalkeeper Olivia Busby made the save.
Busby also denied consecutive Syracuse shots early in the second half, stopping attempts from Moo Galbus and Gabby Wisbeck just 32 seconds apart. The Orange continued pressing late, with Stephens-Martin, Bree Bridges and Wisbeck each getting a shot during the final 1:02, but none found the net.
Harvard finished with an 18-16 advantage in shots, while Syracuse held a 6-5 edge in shots on goal. The Crimson also earned nine corner kicks compared with six for the Orange.
Naimoli now owns a 0.20 goals-against average and a .947 save percentage this season.
Before the match, Syracuse honored seven seniors — Julia Coval, Julia Dening, Galbus, Jones, Chloe Joseph, Leda Naihin and Naimoli — along with managers Franny Kloska and Owen McGarry.
Syracuse will close its non-conference schedule Thursday, September 3, at Binghamton. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.