Posted: Sep 19, 2025
WAU Women’s Soccer Falls in Season Opener at Salem
Washington Adventist (MD)
(0-1-0, 0-0-0)
0
Salem University
(1-3-0, 0-1-0)
4
| Final | 1 | 2 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Washington Adventist (MD) (0-1-0, 0-0-0) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|
Salem University (1-3-0, 0-1-0) | 0 | 4 | 4 |
Salem, W.Va. – Washington Adventist University Women's Soccer opened the 2025 season on the road at Salem University, battling throughout but ultimately falling 4–0 on Thursday evening.
The Shock started strong defensively, anchored by goalkeeper Naldy Yuleisy Gonzalez-Najera, who made a string of early saves to deny Salem's top striker, Niah Hidalgo. Gonzalez-Najera tallied five stops in the opening half, including a key save in the 19th minute that kept the score level.
WAU also created chances of their own, with Abigail Bryant firing two shots on target midway through the half. Both were turned aside by Salem keeper Janiya Brooks-Crews, keeping the match scoreless at the break.
Salem broke through in the 58th minute as Gabriella Briceno Cajiao netted the opener to make it 1–0. Just three minutes later, Hidalgo doubled the lead with a strike from the top of the box. Despite another pair of saves from Gonzalez-Najera to keep WAU within reach, Salem continued to apply pressure.
Hidalgo added her second of the match in the 79th minute, and Audriana Medina capped the scoring in the 85th with a well-placed finish, sealing the 4–0 final.
Key Highlights
- Naldy Yuleisy Gonzalez-Najera finished with double-digit saves, keeping WAU in contention for much of the match.
- Abigail Bryant led the Shock offense with two shots on goal in the first half.
- WAU held Salem scoreless through the opening 57 minutes before the Tigers pulled away late.
Next Up
The Shock (0–1) will look to regroup and build on their defensive resilience as they prepare for their next match at Bluefield University on Wednesday, September 24.
Follow the Shock
Stay connected with the Shock all season long by following @WAUShock and @WAUWSoccer on Instagram for live updates, scores, and behind-the-scenes content.