The University of Dayton women’s soccer team is gearing up for an exciting home opener as they prepare to take on Cleveland State at Baujan Field on Wednesday at 7 p.m. The Flyers are coming off a strong start to the 2024 season with a 2-1 victory over Loyola Maryland in their opening match. Freshman Liv Grenda made an immediate impact by scoring her first career goal, while junior Kyra Karfonta sealed the win with a penalty kick. Dayton has a strong track record in season openers, winning six of their last seven matches.
On the other side, Cleveland State is looking to bounce back from a 2-1 loss to Kent State in their season opener. Under the guidance of new head coach Mark Sappington, the Vikings are eager to make their mark in this matchup. Goalkeeper Madison Ott put on a stellar performance in her collegiate debut, making 11 saves, while Mayra Sesmas found the back of the net for Cleveland State’s lone goal.
This will be the first meeting between Dayton and Cleveland State, adding an element of excitement to the matchup. The Flyers, led by head coach Eric Golz, have a strong tradition of success in women’s soccer. Golz, in his eighth season at the helm, has compiled an impressive record of 73-45-16 at Dayton. The team has a rich history of winning Atlantic 10 Regular Season and Championship titles, showcasing their dominance in the conference.
Key returners for the Flyers include Diana Benigno, Noel Blain, Kyra Karfonta, Ella Raimondi, and Batoul Reda, who will play crucial roles in the team’s success this season. Dayton was picked to finish second in the 2024 Atlantic 10 Conference Preseason Poll, with standout players like Benigno and Karfonta earning Preseason All-Conference honors. Benigno led the team in assists last season, while Karfonta was a defensive stalwart for the Flyers.
Freshman Liv Grenda has already made a name for herself by earning the Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Week award after her impressive debut performance. Grenda’s goal-scoring prowess will be a valuable asset for Dayton as they look to build on their early-season success.
Fans can stay updated on all things #UDWSOC by following the Flyers on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With a talented roster, experienced coaching staff, and a winning tradition, the University of Dayton women’s soccer team is poised for another successful season as they kick off their home schedule against Cleveland State. Don’t miss out on the action at Baujan Field as these two teams battle it out on the pitch.