DELHI, NY - The defending back-to-back CUNYAC women's soccer champions, the John Jay College women's soccer team, controlled much of the offensive action in its 2026 season opener on Saturday afternoon, but a late SUNY Delhi goal proved to be the difference as the Bloodhounds fell, 1-0, at Neil Riddell Field.
John Jay (0-1-0) outshot SUNY Delhi (1-1-0), 9-7, and generated six shots on goal while also holding a 6-4 advantage in corner kicks.
The match remained scoreless for more than 86 minutes before Delhi's Sophia VanSickle broke the deadlock at the 86:15 mark. Carmen Esposito assisted on what proved to be the game-winning goal. The Bloodhounds created several early scoring opportunities. Reigning CUNYAC Player of the Year
Natalie Mack registered John Jay's first shot on goal in the 10th minute before
Ava Lopez forced another save less than two minutes later.
Sofia Soler continued the pressure, recording a shot on goal in the 38th minute, while
Annmarie Russo followed with an attempt that was stopped by Delhi's goalkeeper Morgan Krouse just before the 39-minute mark. John Jay finished the opening half with six shots compared to three for the Broncos, including four attempts on target, but the teams went into halftime scoreless.
The Bloodhounds continued to press after the break. Russo fired an attempt just over the goal in the 52nd minute before Soler put another shot on frame in the 55th that was handled by Krouse. Lopez nearly found the breakthrough in the 79th minute, sending an attempt toward the top-left portion of the goal, but Krouse made the save to preserve the scoreless contest.
Delhi generated one of its best chances moments later when Payton Vacula put an attempt on target in the 80th minute, but the Bloodhound defense kept the Broncos off the scoreboard.
The match appeared headed toward a scoreless finish until VanSickle found the back of the net with 3:45 remaining. Esposito provided the assist as Delhi took its first lead of the afternoon.
John Jay was unable to produce an equalizer over the closing minutes.
Soler led the Bloodhounds with three shots, including two on goal. Lopez added two shots, both on target, while Russo finished with two attempts and one shot on goal. Mack also put her lone attempt on frame.
Anina Gut played all 90 minutes in goal for John Jay as the Bloodhound defense limited SUNY Delhi to just seven total shots and two attempts on target.
The Bloodhounds will back in action on Wednesday, September 9 as they travel to Reading, PA to take on Alvernia for a 4:00 p.m. match.
