Transfers, Set-Piece lethality fuel RMU’s first victory of 2026 at Canisius

 

Following two tough road tests to open the campaign, the Robert Morris Women’s Soccer team found its rhythm—and its goal-scoring flair—on Thursday afternoon. Driven by high-pressing opportunism and clinical set-piece execution, the Colonials dispatched Canisius 3-1 at the Demske Sports Complex to claim their first win of the 2026 season.

The Colonials (1-2-0) were forced to weather an early storm as Canisius pressed high out of the gates, earning five corner kicks and creating three chances in the opening seven minutes. But RMU’s backline held firm, absorbing the initial pressure before turning the momentum with an aggressive counter-press.

In the 14th minute, RMU’s high block paid immediate dividends. Forcing a turnover from the Golden Griffins’ keeper just outside the 18-yard box, transfer midfielder Alyssa Mella pounced on the loose ball, took a composed touch, and calmly slotted home her first goal in a Colonial shirt to make it 1-0. Canisius appeared to level the match shortly after, but a defensive foul wiped the effort off the board, allowing RMU to take its lead into the break.

Canisius found its equalizer 10 minutes into the second half when Maggie Cregan hit a well-placed strike past RMU starter Emma Cameron, who anchored the win with six crucial saves.

Rather than retreating, Michelle Rick’s squad responded through tactical adjustments on dead-ball scenarios. In the 63rd minute, Madison Sievering whipped an inswinging corner into the heart of the box. Mella snapped a header toward goal, and after the initial save, Cleveland State transfer Sophia Cucchetti reacted first, burying the rebound for her first career goal as a Colonial to restore the 2-1 advantage.

RMU slammed the door shut in the 86th minute with another textbook set-piece delivery. Senior forward Ava Trethewey picked out space inside the penalty area, curling a precise cross to Sievering, who finished cleanly to lock up her first goal as a Colonial and seal the 3-1 result.

The victory also featured a key rotational milestone, as Mount Pleasant goal-scoring phenom Morgan Gesinski made her long-awaited collegiate debut, logging 50 valuable minutes in the attack.

Inside the Box Score

• Shots: Canisius held a 15-8 overall edge (8-5 on goal).

• Corners: Canisius 10, RMU 5.

• Multi-Point Stars: Alyssa Mella (1G, 1A) and Madison Sievering (1G, 1A) both notched three-point afternoons.

• 90-Minute Anchors: Shauna Gamble, Fiona Fraser, and Sierra Hess played the full 90 minutes.

Up Next

The Colonials return to Moon Township to kick off a four-game homestand. RMU hosts Mercyhurst in its 2026 home opener on Thursday, August 27, at 4:00 PM ET at the North Athletic Complex.