NEW HAVEN, Conn. - The Albertus Magnus Women's Soccer kicked off the 2023 season with an exciting draw to the Panthers of Purchase College on Friday afternoon. 

The Falcons' netted a trio of goals from Ejalam Bravo (New Britain, Conn.), Emmalee Ianniello (Hamden, Conn.) and Valeria Gonzales (Norwalk, Conn.). In addition, Sophia Vescera (Prospect, Conn.) and Bravo each converted an assist.

Sophomore goalkeeper Amy Stevens (Lincoln, R.I.) made one save on the day.

THE BASICS
FINAL: Albertus Magnus 3 | Purchase 3
RECORDS: Albertus Magnus (0-0-1) | Purchase (0-0-1)
BOX SCORE

HOW IT HAPPENED
The Falcons found the back of the net 24 minutes into play when Vescera delivered a perfectly weighted cross to the foot of Bravo who tucked the ball into the lower righthand corner of the net.

The Panthers retaliated two minutes later when Lindita Selmani battled through the crowd of Falcon defenders in the penalty box to score.

The score remained tied at 1-1 at the halftime break.

Purchase turned the tide in the 57th minute with a goal from Rebecca Quick to take a 2-1 lead over the Falcons. 

Just 17 seconds after Purchase gained the lead, Albertus pushed the game to 2-2. Vescera drove down the right side of the pitch and pinged a shot at Panthers' goalkeeper Carolyn Hough to allow Ianniello to clean up the rebound with a goal. 

The Falcons fell behind the Panthers once again when Selmani netted her second goal of the match in the 63rd minute. 

Albertus was able to tie up the game just three minutes later, 3-3. Following a Panthers' foul, Bravo lofted a free kick to the far side of the net where Gonzales connected to score.

The Falcons continued to push to find the game winning tally, but came up short to a stellar performance from Hough. 

BETWEEN THE PIPES
Albertus -  Amy Stevens (T, 0-0-1): 4 Shots on Goal |  3 Goals-Against |  1 Saves
Purchase - Carolyn Hough  (T, 0-0-1): 18 Shots on Goal | 3 Goals-Against | 15 Saves

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• The Falcons outshot the Panthers 32-9.
• Albertus also held the advantage in corners, 11-3.
• Purchase made 15 saves compared to the Falcons lone save.
• Vescera led the Falcons with seven shots, five being on target.
• Bravo acquired three points during the match with a goal and an assist.

NOTEWORTHY

• Gonzales, Gianna Mendez (East Haven, Conn.), Katherine Aviles (Norwalk, Conn.) and Addie Lamond (Bethlehem, Conn.) each made their debut for the Albertus Magnus women's soccer team.
  Bravo's three-point performance is her career-high for a single game, while her goal was the second of her career.
• Ianniello's goal was the sixth of her career.

UP NEXT
The Falcons return to action on Saturday, Sept. 2 to host a non-conference matchup against the Beavers of the City College of New York. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m.