Marist women’s soccer is having a record-breaking season, setting a new unbeaten streak and defying MAAC preseason expectations. The Red Foxes continued their win streak at home with a two goal win over Canisius.
The Red Foxes had a difficult past two seasons, but they built towards this moment. After winning five games over the past two seasons, Marist now sits fourth in the MAAC standings, with 19 points; only two points behind third-place Sacred Heart.
Marist is expected to make its first MAAC women’s soccer tournament appearance since 2022, where the team lost 3-1 in the quarterfinals to Niagara. 2011 marks the last time the MAAC women’s soccer trophy resided in Poughkeepsie.
Ranked 11th in the MAAC Preseason Coaches Poll this year, the team was expected to miss the tournament completely. After losing seven games last season, the Red Foxes currently have only one loss in conference play, with five wins and four ties.
On Saturday, Marist took down the Golden Griffins at home in Poughkeepsie for the team’s senior day. Senior goalie Maddy Catalanotti made four saves in her 83 minutes of play, while senior back Julia Loncar returned from injury just in time for the senior day festivities.
The seniors got the game started for Marist in the 29th minute with a goal from senior midfielder Olivia Lindsay off a pass from sophomore midfielder Sophia Dorsey. Sophomore forward Gabby Tirado pushed the Red Fox lead to two in the second half, securing the 2-0 Marist win in the 54th minute.
Tirado stepped in front of a pass intended for the Niagara goalkeeper; with the initial shot blocked, she gained the rebound and placed the ball in the far corner of the net. Tirado averages 2.94 shots per game, totaling seven goals over 16 games for the Red Foxes.
Marist has two games left to play in its regular season schedule, with matchups against Mount St. Mary’s and Rider. Both The Mount and Rider are in the bottom two spots of the MAAC, out of playoff contention.
The Mount is 1-9-1 in conference play, with the team’s only win being against Saint Peter’s back in September. The team travels to Poughkeepsie on a five-game losing streak and a three-goal shutout loss against Siena in their final home game of the season.
Marist ends its regular season play against the winless Broncs. With what could be two easy wins, the Red Foxes have the opportunity to add six points.
Fairfield is the only team that has officially clinched a postseason spot, leading the MAAC with 26 points and an 8-0-2 conference record; the Preseason Player of the Year, senior forward Maddy Theriault leads the Stags. The Red Foxes’ defense shut down Theriault in their 0-0 draw against the Stags. Theriault leads the MAAC in shots, goals and points – recording 13 goals over 16 games played.
If positioning remains the same, Marist will have a home playoff game for the first round against No. 5-seeded Canisius, whom the Red Foxes just shut out at home.
Head coach Nicole Pacapelli Ciano has stressed the importance of family during her time at Marist, and her culture is starting to build and take shape. The Red Foxes have proven themselves to be fierce competitors in the MAAC, holding the reigning champions, Fairfield, to a 0-0 draw as well as the reigning runners-up and current second-place, the Quinnipiac Bobcats.
Marist will play its final home game of the regular season this Saturday, during homecoming weekend, against Mount St. Mary’s at 7 p.m. With postseason hopes rising and the culture of Marist women’s soccer stronger than ever, the Red Foxes are proving they deserve more than an underrated label.
Edited by Ben Leeds
Graphic by Gene Barbieri
Photo via Marist Athletics
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