NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Battling tough, rainy conditions, captain
Karoline Hernes and first-year
Cindy Yang each found the back of the net as the Yale women's soccer team opened its 2026 season in style with a 2-0 shutout victory over Vermont on Thursday evening at Reese Stadium.
The Bulldogs improved to 1-0-0, and the Catamounts dropped to 0-2-1.
"I'm really happy with the performance tonight," said
Sarah Martinez, the Loring Family Head Coach of the Bulldogs. "We've talked a lot about our defensive responsibilities and organization, and we were fantastic in that area tonight."
"A shutout, some very quality goals, and a full team performance make me excited about where we are starting," added Martinez.
Scoring Summary
- 45' | Off a free kick, Alex Chang sent a cross into the box that found Hernes, who finished the chance to put the Bulldogs on the board with just 41 seconds remaining in the first half. YALE 1-0
- 55' | After Anita Thorvaldsdottir spun around her defender, she threaded a pass through two defenders to find Yang on the right side. Yang created space before curling a stunning strike into the top-left corner to double the Bulldogs' lead. YALE 2-0
Notes
- The Bulldogs recorded seven shots on goal in the contest.
- Hernes' goal marked the third of her career.
- Chang recorded the fourth assist of her career.
- Thorvaldsdottir registered the second assist of her career.
- Isabel Willems, Hope McMillin, Yang, and Kyleigh Carr made their collegiate debuts.
- Willems earned her first collegiate victory in goal.
- Yang scored the first goal of her collegiate career.
- The Bulldogs have won consecutive season openers, with both victories coming against the Catamounts.
Up Next
Yale will close out the weekend with a quick trip to Hamden to face Quinnipiac on Sunday, August 23.. Kick-off is set for 1 p.m.
