Senior forward Cami Crawford netted two goals on six shots, leading the NYU women’s soccer team to a 5-1 victory over DeSales University on Sept. 27. Crawford set the momentum in the second minute, when she took an assist from junior midfielder Lexi Clarke and beat the goalie one-on-one.

The Violets also conceded an early goal that allowed DeSales back in the game in the 16th minute. But it was Crawford again who put the team back on top in the 26th minute, when the DeSales keeper aggressively misplayed a ball, leaving her with a wide open net and an easy shot at her second. The two goals give Crawford a team-leading three on the season, and they could not have come at a more important time for the Violets.

“It was great that we were able to put together a dominant offensive show,” Crawford said. “Getting a goal early was awesome but it was more important that we were able to consistently score the opportunities we created throughout the game. It was a really excellent team effort.”

The first half was rounded out with a goal in the 30th minute from junior forward Melissa Menta, who shares the lead in goals this season with Crawford.

The Violets ran away with the game in the second half. They got their fourth goal nine minutes into the half when senior defender Phebe Miller got on the board, capitalizing on another assist from Clarke. Clarke was the helper once again in the 67th minute, her third assist of the game and fourth of the season, when she sent a corner into the box that was deflected right to freshman midfielder Stephanie Ho, who firmly struck the rebound in.

“The physical aspect has gotten tougher for sure,” Ho said when asked about the difference compared to her first year of collegiate competition. “I find that I am able to succeed because I put in the effort during practices so that when I am in a game I am confident in my capabilities as well as my teammates.”

Clarke, an instrumental member of the offensive onslaught on Saturday, attributed the plethora of goals to a strong defense.

“The goals came from hard work in the defensive end, which helped our offense tremendously,” she said. “We have been working on the attacking third a lot in practices. So it was great for it to all come together during the game and have us capitalize on our chances.”

Saturday’s game makes it three straight wins for the Violets, who improved to 5-3-0 with Saturday’s victory. The team is set to take on Farmingdale State College at home on Sept. 29.

A version of this article appeared in the Monday, Sept. 29 print edition. Email Bobby Wagner at [email protected].