TROY, N.Y. – Senior Jacqui Richard netted the eventual game-winning goal to lead the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) women's soccer team to a 2-0 victory over Western Connecticut State, in the opening game of the Engineers Cup at Renwyck Field. With the win, the Engineers open the season at 1-0, while the Colonials are 0-1.

Richard (Southwick, MA/Westminster School) broke a scoreless tie in the 70th minute, finishing off a rebound from the edge of the six-yard area. The Engineers built up from the back, before finding senior left back Grace Heine (Lee, NH/Oyster River) making a run up the left wing. She sent in a cross that found classmate Alexis Castrellon (Conroe, TX/Battlefield), before caroming to Richard for the one-time tally.

Sophomore Gigi Mecca (Wallingford, CT/Choate Rosemary Hall) doubled the hosts' advantage in the 78th minute, when she beat Western Connecticut goalkeeper Karly Martin (Bristol, CT/Bristol Eastern) inside the right post, after receiving a perfectly placed through ball from classmate Olivia Spector (Shamong, NJ/Seneca). The play started with a short free kick from close to midfield that Spector corralled, before playing in Mecca on the run for her first collegiate tally.

The Colonials had their best chance to score come in just the second minute, forcing a turnover in the attacking third. Freshman Myah Croze (Bristol, CT/Bristol Eastern) found the left post with her shot from near the penalty spot.

RPI outshot Western Connecticut, 15-11, including 5-4 on goal. The Engineers also controlled 59% of possession to the Colonials 41%.

Senior goalkeeper Joey Lyons (Harwood, MD/Southern) made four saves for 18 career shutout. Martin had three saves at the other end of the field.

The Engineers are back in action tomorrow afternoon, when they host Farmingdale State (3pm). Western Connecticut takes on Buffalo State tomorrow (12:30pm).