Caldwell’s Brace Powers Towson Women’s Soccer Past Bucknell, 3-1
Towson women’s soccer received a breakout performance from freshman defender Jayla Caldwell as the Tigers defeated Bucknell, 3-1, Sunday at Tiger Field. Caldwell scored the first two goals of her collegiate career, while freshman Meron Koro added another goal as Towson built a commanding three-goal advantage before halftime. The victory improved Towson to 2-2-2 on the season while Bucknell dropped to 3-5.
Towson immediately established itself as the more dangerous attacking side and eventually broke through in the 15th minute. Riley Matthews played Koro into a dangerous area, where Koro’s initial shot was stopped by the Bucknell goalkeeper. The rebound fell directly back to Koro, who finished from inside the six-yard box to give the Tigers a 1-0 advantage.
The Tigers continued to pressure Bucknell before Caldwell took over late in the opening half. Emely Rubio delivered a corner toward the far post in the 38th minute, and Caldwell rose above the defense to redirect a header into the lower corner for her first collegiate goal. The freshman defender was not finished, and Towson’s effectiveness on set pieces quickly turned a competitive match into a three-goal lead.
Caldwell struck again in the 43rd minute following another Towson corner. An initial header did not reach the goal, but Bucknell failed to completely clear the ball and Caldwell took advantage. She collected the loose ball and chipped it over the goalkeeper and underneath the crossbar to complete her brace and send the Tigers into halftime leading 3-0.
Towson head coach Katherine Vettori was especially pleased with the development of her younger players and the Tigers’ ability to convert their set-piece opportunities. All three of Towson’s goals came from freshmen, continuing an impressive stretch for the Tigers’ newcomers. Towson’s four goals over the week leading into the Bucknell game were all scored by freshmen, an encouraging sign for the future of Vettori’s program.
Bucknell increased its pressure after halftime and finally broke through in the 58th minute. Louisa Thomsen scored off a set piece after a header redirected the ball toward goal and it ricocheted off the post, with officials ruling that it crossed the goal line. The Bisons continued attempting to cut into the deficit, but Towson protected its advantage and prevented the visitors from creating a true comeback.
The statistics reflected Towson’s strong overall afternoon. The Tigers finished with 21 shots, including nine on goal, while Bucknell recorded 16 shots and six attempts on target. Towson also generated eight corner kicks compared with four for Bucknell, giving the Tigers several opportunities to create pressure through set pieces.
Goalkeeper Keagan Williams made five saves while earning the victory in her first collegiate start. Sophie Thibeault and Sofia Rosenblatt each played the full 90 minutes for Towson, helping the Tigers withstand Bucknell’s increased second-half pressure. Towson committed a season-high 15 fouls but still maintained control of the match after establishing its three-goal cushion.
Caldwell’s performance also earned recognition beyond the victory. The freshman from Ashburn, Virginia, was named the Coastal Athletic Association Rookie of the Week one day later, becoming the second Towson player to earn a CAA weekly award this season. Caldwell joined high school teammate Teagan Gardner, who previously earned CAA Defensive Player of the Week honors.
The award continued a notable run for Towson’s younger players. Caldwell became Towson’s first CAA Rookie of the Week recipient since Riley Matthews earned the honor during the opening week of the 2025 season. Towson has now produced at least one CAA Rookie of the Week selection in three consecutive seasons, making the Tigers one of only two programs in the conference to accomplish that feat.
MSB Take
This was exactly the type of performance Towson needed as it continues developing a young roster. The most encouraging part was not simply the 3-1 victory, but that all three goals came from freshmen and Towson found multiple ways to score, including two goals directly created by corner kicks. Caldwell announcing herself with two goals in the same match gives the Tigers another dangerous option and shows how quickly Towson’s newcomers are beginning to contribute.
Towson also showed maturity after Bucknell scored early in the second half and attempted to build momentum. Instead of allowing the match to turn into a frantic finish, the Tigers protected the lead and closed out a quality home victory. If Towson’s freshmen continue developing this quickly while the defense remains steady, the Tigers could become a difficult team to deal with as the season progresses.
