The NYU women’s soccer team split their games over the weekend in the 2014 Engineering Cup hosted by Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey. The Violets scored three times on Saturday in a win against SUNY Cortland, but were shut out -0 on Sunday in a loss against Stevens.

The Violets took the first game on Saturday in a high-scoring contest – over Cortland. They grabbed the lead early with the first career goal of sophomore midfielder Ashley Cardounel in the ninth minute.

“Getting the lead early allows us to set the tempo for the rest of the game,” Cardounel said. “I was happy to get my first goal and help get us off to a good start for the win.”

The Violets padded their lead in the 61st minute with a goal from junior midfielder Lexi Clarke and looked to run away with the game. But in the 65th minute, Cortland finally responded bringing the lead back to within one. Fortunately, the Violets responded,  only four minutes later with a goal of their own to restore the lead.

Cortland was able to score in the 77th minute but could not overcome the early deficit and the Violets’ late defense.

“Our defense communicated well, allowing our back four to organize very quickly,” sophomore goalkeeper Cassie Steinberg said.

On Sunday, the Violets took on Stevens and lost in a low-scoring affair by a score of -0. This was the first time the Violets have been shut out in the young season.

Stevens hit first in the 12th minute off a 20-yard strike by Allison Kopacz. That proved to be the decisive goal as the Violets were not able to respond. Although the Violets took four more shots on goal than the Ducks, their effort was for naught as the Ducks’ defense proved too stout to break through.

The Violets had several chances late in the game, but both a corner kick and a shot on goal in the 88th minute failed to put the Violets on the board before time ran out.

The Violets left the Engineering Cup drawing positives from the overall experience and looking forward to the rest of the season.

“The team is looking really strong going into our first home game,” senior defender Phebe Miller said. “I think our hard work and discipline shows in the results. We have a lot of new faces and they have had a very positive impact on the field.”

The Violets look to bounce back during their next two home games against Vassar College and Ramapo College at Gaelic Park in the Bronx on Sept. 13 and Sept. 17, respectively.

A version of this article appeared in the Monday, Sept. 8 print edition. Email Kyle Luther at [email protected].