In their Ivy League opener on Sunday, the women’s soccer team (7-1-2, 1-0 Ivy) put on a dominant all-around performance in a 5-2 road victory over Yale (2-6-0, 0-1). Midfielder Joy Okonye ’27 led the way with two goals, while defender Naya Cardoza ’26 scored for a fourth straight game.
“Getting that first win in Ivy play is huge and really sets the tone for the rest of the conference season,” Head Coach Kia McNeill wrote in an email to The Herald. “We always talk about wanting to control our own destiny, and that starts with taking care of business week by week.”
In the 17th minute, Okonye lit up the scoreboard with a stellar goal, dribbling through multiple defenders to create space before launching an unstoppable shot into the top right corner. “I didn't know I struck it that well until it was at the back of the net,” she wrote, adding that “it’s always a great feeling to score.”
Cardoza kept things going, scoring less than 10 minutes later off an assist from Rylee Keeley ’28. The goal was her sixth of the season, a mark that leads the Ivy League.
Okonye then followed up her first goal with another screamer, striking from well outside the 18-yard box to put the Bears up 3-0. Though Yale was able to get one back in the 31st minute, Brown held a commanding 3-1 lead heading into halftime.
“Joy and Naya have been playing on another level this season and they’ve both become key figures for us,” McNeill wrote. “Every time they step on the field, they’re looking to make an impact, and they’re absolutely making their minutes count.”
Aside from their exceptional play, McNeill emphasized that Cardoza and Okonye’s mindset has given the team a boost during this season’s opening stretch. “What stands out even more is that their energy, intensity and focus have been contagious,” she wrote. “They’ve not only thrived individually, but have helped raise the level of the players around them, which speaks volumes about their leadership and presence on the field.”
Bruno’s dominance continued after the break, as forward Corine Gregory’s ’27 shot was deflected, but still found the back of the net. The Bulldogs again cut the lead to two in the 71st minute, but Brown quickly regained the momentum. Giving Brown another highlight-reel goal, Ayla Sahin ’28 nutmegged a Yale defender before calmly tucking away Bruno’s fifth goal of the game, sealing the win for the Bears.
Four different Bears scored against Yale, underscoring the team’s attacking versatility that McNeill characterized as a key to their early-season success
“We’ve always prided ourselves on being a multi-dimensional program in how we attack, and this is probably the most complete we’ve been in terms of our ability,” she wrote. “It’s been fun to see our attacking creativity and confidence come alive over the past few games. We’re becoming harder to defend, and that’s exactly where we want to be.”
Four days earlier, on Wednesday, Bruno certainly seemed “hard to defend” as they took down Providence College at home 4-0. Okonye and Cardoza starred again, each scoring once with Okonye tacking on an assist.
Their excellent play against Providence and Yale did not go unnoticed. Okonye was recognized as Ivy League Offensive Player of the Week, and Cardoza was named Defensive Player of the Week. This marks the second time this season that Brown has swept the Ivy League Weekly Awards.
Okonye remained humble, pointing out that her personal recognition is also the team’s achievement. “It’s always and will always be team first,” she wrote. “As long as we keep going like this in the right direction, accomplishments like this feel more special because it’s a collective effort.”
McNeill stressed the importance of starting strong in Ivy League play. “We don’t want to be in a position later in the season where we’re relying on other results to fall our way,” McNeill wrote. “The more we can handle now, the more pressure we take off ourselves later. Staying focused, hungry and consistent is the key to keeping this momentum going.”
The Bears will look to do just that as they travel to New York City to take on Columbia on Saturday. The game will be available to stream on ESPN+.
Gus Bailey is a senior staff writer covering the sports beat. He is a sophomore studying applied math-economics. His interests include data analytics, marketing, social media and of course, sports.
