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Julie Becerra’s late game-winner, third straight clean sheet lift RMU past UMBC 1-0 in Non-Conference finale

“Great team win, another clean sheet, and another step forward for us. We’ll take a second to celebrate the moment, rest and get ready to take care of business in Horizon League play.”

— Head Coach Michelle Rick

MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. — It took 56 career matches and over 3,300 minutes on the pitch, but senior captain Julia Becerra picked the perfect moment to notch her first collegiate goal.

In the 75th minute on Thursday afternoon at the North Athletic Complex, Becerra buried a set-piece delivery to propel the Robert Morris Women’s Soccer team to a 1-0 victory over UMBC in their non-conference finale.

The win wraps up non-conference play for the Colonials at 3-3-1 overall, providing crucial momentum as head coach Michelle Rick’s squad turns its focus toward the Horizon League slate.

The opening 45 minutes played out as a tight, tactical battle in the central third. Both sides struggled to unpick low-block defenses, with RMU’s Sophia Cucchetti generating the match’s first shot on target in the 21st minute and UMBC managing just a single test in the 34th minute.

The match opened up significantly after the intermission as RMU pushed its line higher. Sophomore Ivy Chaskelson forced a pair of saves with dangerous efforts from distance, while senior forward Madison Sievering was denied on a 1-on-1 breakaway in the 68th minute.

RMU’s persistence finally paid off off a short-corner sequence in the 75th minute. Sievering played the restart short to senior forward Ava Trethewey, who whipped a precise cross into the heart of the 18-yard box. Becerra timed her run perfectly through the central channel, redirecting the ball past the keeper to break the deadlock and secure her milestone first goal.

The Retrievers pushed for a late equalizer, but RMU’s backline held firm to seal the team’s third consecutive shutout victory. Senior goalkeeper Emma Cameron turned aside four saves to extend her personal and team clean-sheet streak to an impressive 281 consecutive minutes. The three-match shutout streak marks RMU’s first since opening the 2023 campaign with three straight clean sheets against VMI, Hampton, and Akron.

An impressive eight Colonials played all 90 minutes in the victory: Shauna Gamble, Bailey Campbell, Alyssa Mella, Julia Becerra, Morgan Gesinski, Sophia Cucchetti, Ava Trethewey, and Madison Sievering.

Inside the Box Score

  • Shots (On Goal): RMU held a 9-5 overall advantage (5-4 on target), led by Sievering’s three shots.

  • Corners: UMBC 6, RMU 5.

  • Fouls: UMBC 6, RMU 4 (No cards issued).

  • Streak Watch: RMU has not allowed a goal in 281 consecutive minutes.

Up Next

The Colonials open Horizon League play on the road on Saturday, September 19, traveling to Dayton, Ohio to face Wright State. Kickoff is set for 5:00 PM ET.

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John Krysinsky has covered soccer and other sports for many years for various publications and media outlets. He is also author of 'Miracle on the Mon' -- a book about the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, which chronicles the club, particularly the early years of Highmark Stadium with the narrative leading up to and centered around a remarkable match that helped provide a spark for the franchise. John has covered sports for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, DK Pittsburgh Sports, Pittsburgh Sports Report, has served as color commentator on Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC broadcasts, and worked with OPTA Stats and broadcast teams for US Open Cup and International Champions Cup matches held in the US. Krysinsky also served as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at his alma mater, Point Park University, where he led the Pioneers to the first-ever winning seasons and playoff berths (1996-98); head coach of North Catholic boys (2007-08), associate head coach of Shady Side Academy boys (2009-2014).

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