The Emory University women’s soccer team earned its first University Athletic Association (UAA) win of the campaign on Friday, as the 15^th-ranked Eagles bested New York University by a 2-0 score.

After a scoreless first half, senior Lauren Smith struck for the game-winning goal at the 50-minute mark.  Smith beat her defender to a Kelly Costopoulos pass, and placing it past the charging NYU goalkeeper and into the net for her team-leading fifth goal of the season.  It was also the second game-winning goal of the season for Smith, tying her for the team lead, and the first-career assist for the freshman Costopoulos.

Emory would add on an insurance goal late, as Liz Harlan notched her second score in as many games, and her third this season overall, in the 89^th minute.  Harlan’s shot, off a pass from freshman Clare Mullins, was from 23 yards out, hitting off the left post and richoceting into the goal.  It was the fourth assist of the season for Mullins, the second-most on the team this season.

Meanwhile, the Eagles’ defense turned in another strong effort, holding the Violets to just five shots.  Just two of NYU’s shots were on goal, and the Violets did not register a shot on goal until the 65^th minute of play.  Emory was able to get off 20 shots in the contest, 11 of which were on goal.  The Eagles also took six corner kicks during the game, compared to just one for NYU.

Sophomore goalkeeper Kaele Leonard earned the victory, making two saves in the second half to improve to 7-1-2 during the season, while lowering her goals against average to 0.43.  Sophomore Erica Stein started the game in goal, lowering her season goals against average to 0.60 with a scoreless half as well.

With the win, Emory improved to 10-1-2 overall, including a 1-1-1 mark in conference matches.  NYU dropped to 5-7-2 on the campaign with a 1-2-0 UAA record.

The Eagles will next head to Waltham, MA, where they will face Brandeis University at 11:00 AM on Sunday.