ANNAPOLIS, Md. – The Navy women’s soccer team improved to a 2-0-0 record this season with a solid 2-0 win over Temple (1-1-0) during their home opener on Sunday afternoon at Glenn Warner Soccer Facility. The spirited crowd witnessed an impressive performance by the Midshipmen, establishing an early lead right from the start.
Marlee Heaven netted the first goal within the opening 15 minutes, continuing her excellent form, while Madison Whitworth secured her inaugural goal of the season in the second half. The Navy defense, anchored by goalkeeper Natasha Stramrood, limited Temple’s offense to just two shots on goal, with none of those efforts hitting the target in the final 28 minutes, despite Navy facing a player disadvantage.
The match began with Navy on the attack, as both Kayana Adlam and Lucy Gaines aimed shots at Temple’s goalkeeper Tamsin Bynoe early in the game, but Bynoe was up to the task, denying their attempts and keeping the score level. However, Chiara Cosenza intercepted a clearing attempt by Temple in the 15th minute, setting up Heaven for her goal after she skillfully maneuvered past a defender and finished with precision.
Later in the first half, Stramrood showcased her goalkeeping skills by saving long-range shots from Rylie Wilpolt and Teagan Harkins, while Whitworth also tested Bynoe with a shot just before halftime.
The second half saw Navy seeking to extend their lead. Although the team faced a setback with Jordan Townsend’s ejection following her second yellow card, they maintained composure under pressure, effectively defending two corner kicks from Temple. In the 71st minute, Whitworth capitalized on a clearing kick from Stramrood and broke past the Temple defenders to score, ensuring the two-goal lead for the Midshipmen.
The Midshipmen’s performance was highlighted by a strong defensive effort that preserved Stramrood’s clean sheet. This victory marks Navy’s first 2-0 start since the 2009 season, and the successful offensive output of five goals in the opening two matches represents the highest tally for the team since 2013.
Head Coach Carin Gabarra’s Remarks
“It was great to finally get a chance to play at home and in front of our fans,” said Coach Gabarra. “We were ecstatic to get the overwhelming support from the Annapolis community… We wanted to show them Navy Soccer and what our team is capable of, and I thought we accomplished that.”
Match Notes
- Navy leads the all-time series against Temple 2-1-1.
- The Midshipmen have won five consecutive home openers since 2021.
- This 2-0 start is the first for Navy since 2009.
- Scoring five goals over two games is the highest output in the first two contests since 2013.
- Heaven’s goal marked her 13th career goal, while Whitworth’s was her second.
- Stramrood recorded her fourth career shutout and provided an assist on the Whitworth goal.
Navy’s next match is scheduled for Thursday at 5 p.m., as they continue their homestand against Wofford.
