PROVIDENCE, RI. – Opening the season on the road following a Second Round run of the 2024 NCAA Tournament, the Wesleyan women's soccer team shut out Johnson & Wales University in a 1-0 matchup that saw Maria Utz '27 sink the game-winning goal on Saturday morning.

While much of the game was held to a scoreless draw, the Cardinals did not hold back and were well oiled on all fronts. Goalkeeper Molly Brumbach '26 faced just two shots overall, but the Cardinals defense did not allow a single shot in the entire first half. Meanwhile, the Wildcats faced 12 at the other end of the field. Meredith Feiner '28 led the charge, notching four total shots on Ava Vaughan.

Entering the second half without a tally on the board, the Cardinals continued to push through, waiting for the opening opportunity. Marking the 75^th minute, Beatrix Delaney '27 booted the ball out of the Cardinals' zone and over the midline as Utz advanced down the field. Utz briefly lost possession as the Wildcats attempted to settle the ball and clear, but Utz regained and caught Vaughan out at the top of the box. Utz's shot fell out of reach of Vaughan's left glove and rolled to the back of the net.

Vaughan led the Wildcats with 11 saves.

The Cardinals return to action on Sunday, Sept. 7, when they host WestConn at 12 p.m.