Women's Soccer Falls to Rutgers-Newark, 2-1, in Overtime Thriller

Written by Joshua Soto (SJC-LI Sports Information)  

Patchogue, NY| In the first home game of the 2017 season, the St. Joseph's College (L.I.) women's soccer team suffered a hard-fought 2-1 overtime loss at home to Rutgers-Newark on Wednesday evening. The Scarlet Knights begin their season 2-1 while SJC slides to 0-2 to start the year.

Heading into overtime tied 1-1, the Scarlet Knights pressured the Golden Eagles' defense and registered three shots before Nicole Gomez slotted home a rebound attempt following a save by SJC keeper Juliana Cintron-Leonardo for the game-winning goal in the 97th minute.

Rutgers came out of the gates flying, registering six of the game's first seven shots through the opening 27 minutes, but an organized backline ensured the Golden Eagles reached the break unscathed.

Early in the 69th minute, SJC won a corner to be taken by Jaclyn O'Shaughnessy, and the set piece yielded a counter attack by Gomez who made a run down the right side and crossed it to Haley Savva for the one-touch finish.

The Golden Eagles were awarded a late corner in the 70th minute when O'Shaughnessy sent the set piece into the box which found the foot of Jessica Passabile, who dished it out to Shannon Condron for the equalizer.

The two teams fought back-and-fourth in the opening minutes of overtime with Rutgers tallying three shots in the first four minutes,  and though the Golden Eagles kept pace they were unable to find the back of the net. In the 97th minute the Scarlet Knights were awarded a free-kick which was successfully parried before the rebound was converted to sink SJC, 2-1.

The Scarlet Knights attack generated 33 shots compared to SJC's 15 and forced Cintron-Leonardo into making 15 saves. The Golden Eagles, who were whistled for nine fouls, did do well to win nine corners on the evening.

SJC returns to action on Saturday, September 9 when the team hosts Brooklyn College at 6:00PM. Live video and stats will be available here.