The Syracuse University women's soccer team opened its 31st season with a tightly contested 0-0 draw against Villanova at the SU Soccer Stadium.
Junior goalkeeper Maya Naimoli turned in a stellar performance, making four crucial second-half stops, including a point-blank header from Dez Zapata that kept the Orange unbeaten.
Sophomore Julia Arbelaez added two goals to the effort, one of which was denied by Villanova keeper Hannah Dickinson, underscoring the back-and-forth nature of the contest.
A video review later stripped an apparent Villanova goal after a handball assessment, a moment that shifted momentum and highlighted the match’s competitive edge.
A Draw That Sets the Tone
The stalemate reflects a broader pattern in the series, where Villanova holds a historical edge with a 6-2-2 record, yet Syracuse’s young roster showed promise.
First-time starters Maya Naimoli, Vickie Jones, Farrah Stephens-Martin, as well as freshmen Lauren Christy and Emory Streets, all earned valuable minutes in the opening fixture.
Syracuse will look to build on this foundation when they host Holy Cross on Sunday, August 16, at 1 p.m., with free admission for fans.
The Orange’s next home game promises another opportunity to fine-tune tactics before conference play ramps up.