A Strong Start
Columbia’s women’s soccer team opened its 2026 campaign with a hard‑fought 2‑1 victory over La Salle at McCarthy Stadium, snapping the visitors’ early‑season slump and giving the Lions their first win of the year.
From the opening whistle the Lions controlled possession, generating eight shots and seven corner kicks in the first half alone, a pressure that paid off when Maya Nuwayhid curled a corner into the net in the 41st minute.
The second goal came after a La Salle own goal was confirmed following a video review of a close‑range effort, extending Columbia’s lead to 2‑0.
La Salle answered in the 80th minute when Sienna Mount tapped home a pass from Katerina Loncar and Shiloh Moore, cutting the deficit to 2‑1 and sparking a frantic finish.
Goalkeeper Samantha Mahoney was the backbone of the defense, making four saves and recording her first win of the season while preserving the narrow margin.
The result marks La Salle’s first home defeat since September 20, 2025, a milestone that underscores Columbia’s resurgence. The Lions will now embark on a two‑game road trip, facing Saint Mary’s on September 3 before traveling to Cal on September 6.