Lawrence earns first win as Blue Hens head coach, as the team kicks off the season with a 1-0 victory versus Syracuse

Photo: Konstantin Evdokimov on Unsplash

The University of Delaware women’s soccer team opened their 2023 season on Thursday with a 1-0 win over Syracuse University. History was made last night as not only did head coach Kelly Lawrence pick up her first victory, but the program also downed a power five opponent for the first time. 

That’s how you start a new era ‼️ pic.twitter.com/cPZtGF2rA8

— Delaware Women's Soccer (@DelawareWSOC) August 18, 2023

The standouts in the game for Blue Hens were senior forward Raychel Speicher, senior midfielder Lea Panagiotidis, senior goalkeeper Mia Reed, and senior goalkeeper Kyla Burns.

Speicher had two shots, two shots at the goal, and scored one goal in the win.

Panagiotidis had one shot, and one assist in the game.

Reed allowed zero in 45 minutes and had two saves in the game.

Burns allowed zero in 45 minutes and had one save in the game.

Blue Hens score early to take home the win!

Delaware did not waste any time finding the net in this game, as at the eight-minute mark, Raychel Speicher received a pass from her teammate Lea Panagiotidis from the right corner of the net and Rachel did the rest by getting the ball in for the score to give her team a 1-0 lead.

First goal of the season goes to Raychel Speicher! Hens lead 1-0⚽️ pic.twitter.com/2EesQ6i5vE

— Delaware Women's Soccer (@DelawareWSOC) August 17, 2023

After the score, the defense of the Hens took over as the team only allowed Syracuse to take seven shots and only three at the goal for the rest of the game.

Once the clock hit 90:00 minutes in the second half, the Blue Hens sealed their fifth straight season-opening win with a 1-0 victory over the Orange.

Team Stats:	
Shots: SYR: 7 UD: 13	
Saves:SYR: 5 UD:3	
Corner Kicks: SYR: 0 UD: 1	
Fouls:SYR:11 UD:5