SARASOTA, Fla. - New College of Florida Women's Soccer continued its unbeaten start to the 2026 season Tuesday evening, defeating Florida National University 3-1 at NCF Bayfront.
With the victory, the Mighty Banyans improved to 2-0 and matched their win total from the entire 2025 season in just two matches.
Naomi Woerner, Grace Carpenter and Faith Hardy each found the back of the net for NCF. Julia Moore and Chloe Nickell added assists, while Avaya Wright made four saves in goal.
NCF outshot Florida National 21-11 and placed six attempts on goal while holding a 4-1 advantage in corner kicks.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Florida National generated the match's first scoring opportunity, but Wright stopped Mette Battling's shot in the third minute to keep the visitors off the board.
After withstanding the early pressure, NCF broke through in the 19th minute. Woerner found the back of the net for her fourth goal of the season, giving the Mighty Banyans a 1-0 advantage.
NCF doubled its lead less than 10 minutes later. Moore delivered a corner kick that Carpenter converted in the 29th minute for her second goal of the season.
The Mighty Banyans carried their 2-0 advantage into halftime after outshooting Florida National 10-3 during the opening 45 minutes.
NCF added its third goal shortly after the break. Nickell set up Hardy in the 54th minute, and Hardy finished the opportunity for her third goal of the season.
Wright made three second-half saves to preserve the three-goal advantage as Florida National began creating more opportunities.
Sofia Lorusso broke through for Florida National with six seconds remaining, but the Mighty Banyans closed out the 3-1 victory to improve to 2-0.
THE TURNING POINT
NCF turned a one-goal advantage into firm control of the match in the 29th minute.
After Woerner opened the scoring, Moore's corner kick found Carpenter, who converted the opportunity to give the Mighty Banyans a 2-0 lead.
NCF carried that advantage into halftime before Hardy added an insurance goal early in the second half.
BY THE NUMBERS
19
Goals scored by NCF through its first two matches after scoring 11 during the entire 2025 season.
18
NCF's goal differential through two matches, having outscored its opponents 19-1.
11
Different Mighty Banyans have scored at least once this season.
10
NCF's advantage in total shots Tuesday, outshooting Florida National 21-11.
6
Mighty Banyans have already scored multiple goals this season.
2
Wins through two matches, matching NCF's victory total from the entire 2025 season.
STAT LEADERS
Goals: Naomi Woerner - 1; Grace Carpenter - 1; Faith Hardy - 1
Assists: Julia Moore - 1; Chloe Nickell - 1
Shots: Faith Hardy - 6; Chloe Nickell - 4; Daniela Nieto - 2; Sarah Benjamin - 2
Shots on Goal: Chloe Nickell - 2; Naomi Woerner - 1; Faith Hardy - 1; Grace Carpenter - 1; Summer Steele - 1
Goalkeeper: Avaya Wright - 90 minutes, 1 goal allowed, 4 saves
UP NEXT: NCF will hit the road for the first time this season Saturday, traveling to Tifton, Georgia, to face Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College at 11 a.m. EST.
