Boxscore

photo courtesy of Mark Campbell

NEWARK, Del. - Senior Caitlyn Germain (Auburn, Mass./St. Peter-Marian) scored one goal and served two assists to help the University of Delaware women’s soccer team defeat visiting Binghamton University, 3-0, at Delaware Mini-Stadium on Friday evening in the Hens’ season opener.

With the win, the Blue Hens notched their ninth straight victory in a home opener.

“We’re extremely happy with the win,” said veteran head coach Scott Grzenda. “The biggest perk of our success tonight is that we’re continuing to get better with everything we’re doing -- and that’s our goal.”

After dominating play and taking seven shots to Binghamton’s lone one, the Blue Hens found the back of the net in the 27th minute as sophomore Leigh Victory connected with a feed from Germain (at right). With the scoreboard in its favor, the home squad continued to control the pace of the game and led 1-0 at the half.

Although the steady rain evolved into a heavy downpour between stints of play, Delaware did not lose focus. The Hens returned to the field and posted two second-half goals to open its 2009 campaign with the victory.

Making her collegiate debut, freshman Ali Miller notched the Blue and Gold’s second goal at 64:53, merely 1:12 before Germain would finalize all scoring at 3-0.

Germain had recovered Miller’s initial shot on goal before feeding her the rebound to secure a 2-0 lead. Moments later, the 2008 third team All-CAA selection and two-time All-CAA choice tallied one of her own. Germain clinched her 18th career goal in the 67th minute, firing a shot on point from 25 yards out.

Senior goalkeeper Annie Bevan posted her ninth career shutout, making four saves during the 90 minutes of action. Binghamton keepers Jen McEachron and Erin Iman split time, making four and three saves, respectively.

Delaware registered 18 shots, while the Bearcats managed 10. The victors also led in corner kicks, 4-1.

The Blue Hens will return to action on Sunday, Aug. 30 at 1 p.m. as they play host to the Providence College Friars in a non-conference match at Delaware Mini-Stadium.

AGATE:

Delaware..........................1.....2......3
Binghamton.....................0.....0......0

Scoring Summary: First Half: UD - Leigh Victory (Caitlyn Germain), 26:53. Second Half: UD - Ali Miller (Caitlyn Germain), 64:53, UD - Caitlyn Germain, 66:05. Shots: UD - 18, BING - 10; Corner Kicks: UD - 4, BING - 1; Saves: UD - 4 (Annie Bevan), BING - 7 (Jen McEachron 4, Erin Iman 3); Fouls: UD - 6, BING 6; Offsides: UD - 1, BING - 0.