The UMass women’s soccer team kicked off its 2026 campaign with a hard‑fought 2‑1 win on the road against St. John’s University in Queens, New York.
Opening Match in Queens
Caroline Dickerson opened the scoring in the eighth minute, slipping a low strike past the St. John’s keeper to put the Minutemen ahead early.
Just four minutes later, Annie McCaffrey doubled the lead with a well‑placed shot in the 12th minute, extending the lead to 2‑0.
St. John’s refused to go quietly, pulling one back in the 66th minute to make it a one‑goal game, but the Minutemen’s defense held firm.
Goalkeeper Leah Nisenfield made two crucial saves in the closing minutes, preserving the lead and sealing the victory.
The win marks the first meeting between the two programs since a 1‑0 triumph for UMass in Amherst last season, adding a fresh chapter to a growing rivalry.
A Promising Start
Building on the early goals and steady play, the team looks to carry the momentum into its next test.
Next Challenge: NJIT
The Minutemen will host NJIT at Rudd Field on Thursday, August 20, at 4 p.m., aiming to extend their winning streak in front of a home crowd.
With a solid defensive showing and offensive spark from Dickerson and McCaffrey, UMass hopes to translate its early chemistry into a strong season.