Sacred Heart: The Blizzard That Made History

The blizzard game that ended with history. No. 4 Sacred Heart University defeated the No. 3 Canisius Golden Griffins in penalty kicks to clinch their spot in the NCAA playoffs for the first time in program history. 

With conditions worsening by the minute and visibility low, the game remained deadlocked through regulation and double overtime, sending the game to penalty kicks. Junior goalkeeper Kyran Thievon held strong throughout the game and blocked three shots in the shootout, leading Sacred Heart to their first-ever MAAC Championship, winning the title of MAAC Tournament MVP. Throughout the tournament, Thievon had only 1 goal against, 13 saves, and a game-winning penalty kick save.  

Canisius State wasted no time getting on the board in the shootout with Maggie Cregan sinking the first shot, but Emily Hood responded for Sacred Heart. Up next was Skylar Cornell, who sunk the shot, giving Canisius the lead. After two missed shots for both teams, Martyna Krzysztopik made the shot to even the board, but Lizzy Harkness responded for Canisius. Up next was Morgan Bovardi, who once again evened the board. The pressure was on and growing; a missed shot from Canisius gave Sacred Heart the chance to take the game as Theanna Burnett stepped up to take her shot, which she made, ultimately winning Sacred Heart the game, and what better way to celebrate than penguin slides and snow angels. 

Up Next 

Sacred Heart will head to Washington, D.C., to take on the Georgetown Hoyas in the opening round of the 2025 NCAA Women’s Soccer Tournament. Georgetown enters the tournament off a 10-0 regular season conference record and an overall record of 15-3-2, while Sacred Heart enters with an overall record of 11-8-2, and conference record of 7-2. 

The team's last matched up in the 2024 season at Georgetown resulting in a 2-0 loss for Sacred Heart. Will Georgetown continue their dominance into the tournament? Or will Sacred Heart pull off an upset in the opening round and advance? Tune in Friday, November 14th, at 6:30 PM (EST) to find out.