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Postgame: Coach Berkowitz  l  Wagner, Neal talk about the win

EAST STROUDSBURG - Freshman midfielder Shea Neal scored the game's only goal in her collegiate debut, lifting East Stroudsburg University to a 1-0 win over Kutztown in PSAC women's soccer on Thursday afternoon at Eiler-Martin Stadium.

Neal scored in the 62nd minute, assisted by senior back Michelle Gogolen and senior forward Kerri McClay, to help the Warriors, coming off last year's PSAC semifinal appearance, improve to 4-1-2 in seven season openers under head coach Rob Berkowitz.

Senior goalkeeper Brittain Wagner had eight saves for her 10th career solo shutout, and her second 1-0 victory over Kutztown after blanking the Golden Bears by the same score last season.

A returning All-PSAC second team selection, Wagner had five saves in the first half, including two near the end of the period to keep the game scoreless.

After Kutztown controlled most of the first 15 minutes of the second half, the Warriors won a free kick from about 35 yards out. Gogolen played the ball into the box, McClay headed it down and Neal found the back of the net for a 1-0 lead.

Neal was one of four Warriors who made their first career starts, along with sophomore midfielder Syrandin Deere Vester, freshman forward Brielyn Hackett and freshman back Laurel Neira, who steps in for three-time All-Region center back Carly Collins.

Kutztown held a 13-11 advantage in shots with both goalkeepers, Wagner and Kutztown's Alina Rakiewicz, making eight saves.

Wagner was 10-4-5 with a 0.91 goals against average in 19 starts last season. She improved to 16-8-6 in her career with her 11th total shutout and 10th solo shutout.

In last month's PSAC preseason poll, Kutztown was picked fifth with ESU listed seventh.

ESU travels to Mansfield for a 1:30 p.m. start on Saturday, and is home on Friday and Saturday next weekend (Sept. 13-14). The Warriors host Gannon on Friday at 12 p.m., and Mercyhurst on Saturday at 12 p.m.