BALTIMORE – The "Rick Stainton Era" began with a bang as the UMBC women's soccer team blanked Kutztown, 2-0, on Thursday evening at Retriever Soccer Park.
 
Freshman forward Payton Schenning, Maryland's 2022 Gatorade Girls Player of the Year, headed in the game-winner just two minutes into her career off a gorgeous corner kick into the box from graduate student Lola Negrete. Kutztown netminder Cassandra Baker previously made a diving save to her left off a shot by Negrette but the ball was punched over the crossbar and resulted in the corner.
 
The Retrievers got an insurance marker in the '70 when freshman striker Cheyenne Payne tapped in a feed from junior midfielder Bella Roppolo from five yards out.
 
UMBC controlled much of the play as they outshot the Golden Bears by a 21-6 margin. The Retrievers also attempted seven corners compared to three by the visitors.
 
UMBC goalie Abbey Cowles was steady in net and made four saves.
 
Junior midfielder Izzy Binko fired a game-high five shots while reserve midfielder Kimmie Herritt added four attempts.
 
The Retrievers will host Longwood on Sunday at 4:00 p.m.