Jones, Offense, Power Syracuse Women’s Soccer to First Win of 2026
By Jake Bowen | @Jake_Bowen12
Syracuse, NY | After its defense showed up in Thursday’s draw, Syracuse Women’s Soccer’s (1-0-1, 0-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) offense revealed its colors in its 3-1 win over Holy Cross (0-1-1, 0-0 Patriot League) on Sunday.
SU’s offense was aggressive early. The Orange recorded five shots in the first 16 minutes, but the Crusaders held their ground. Holy Cross goalkeeper Antriana Mila stopped four of those shots and stood her ground early on.
Just as the first half was winding down, Syracuse found its window of opportunity. In the 44th minute, midfielder Vickie Jones sailed a shot right over the leaping reach of Mila and into the back of the net to give the Orange a 1-0 lead and their first goal of the year. Prior to the redshirt senior’s score, it was the longest the ‘Cuse had gone without a goal to start a season since 2020.
Holy Cross fought back in the second half. After a costly penalty by Orange midfielder Gabby Wisbeck set up a Crusaders penalty kick, midfielder Sam Halligan converted to tie the game at one. The fifth-year senior scored a goal in Holy Cross’ season-opening draw with Quinnipiac on Wednesday.
Less than a minute later, Syracuse took back the lead. Orange defender Jasmine Nixon scored the first goal of her collegiate career off a deflection from midfielder Abby Incorvaia’s free kick.
The Orange added on minutes later, capitalizing on another Crusaders penalty. Jones notched her second goal of the day on a penalty kick to give SU the 3-1 advantage. The ‘Cuse closed the game out and earned its first win of 2026.
Orange goalkeeper Maya Naimoli saw little action in net. The junior tallied two saves, both in the second half, on seven shots and allowed one goal.
SU hopes to ride its momentum on the road against Northwestern (0-1, 0-0 Big Ten) this Thursday. The Wildcats fell to #11 Virginia in their season opener on Wednesday. Game time is set for 8 p.m.
For coverage of that game and the rest of the Syracuse Women’s Soccer season, follow @Jake_Bowen12 and @CitrusTVSports on X.
