The women’s soccer team tied their first game of the season on Oct. 6. Even after two overtime periods, the Lions held Stevens Institute of Technology to a scoreless draw, extending their unbeaten streak to 12 games.
While they weren’t able to find the net for the first time this season, it wasn’t from a lack of effort. Freshman midfielder Sloan DePiero made an early attempt on goal, but was denied by Stevens’ goalie Kaitlin McClymont. The College would have another opportunity from junior defender Annie McCarthy, but would be denied once more by the Ducks’ defense.
“Steven’s defense was pretty strong and were really aggressive,” DePiero said. “They played in the same formation we did (4-3-3) so it was a bit crowded in the middle, but we were able to handle it.”
In the second half, the Lions’ offense took multiple shots on goal, including a near post effort from sophomore striker Allyson Anderson. The shot, which ended up sailing wide of the far post, was one of the best chances of the night for the home side. Sophomore Amy Van Dyk midfielder tried to put her mark on the night, but also came up short in overtime. The Lions finished the night outshooting the Ducks 34-6.
The Lions’ defense had a formidable game as well. Freshman keeper Kendra Griffith only made one save on the night, making the game her seventh shutout of the season. The teams’ goal against average is currently .09 goals per game.
“Our biggest strength is the way we work together,” Griffith said. “We have a great unit that communicates and plays together very well.”
While the team tied the game, their record is still 11-0-1, and they have a week-long break from competition. And even with a lengthy break between games, the Lions’ aren’t taking their foot off the gas just yet.
“The tie will make us want to work harder in every practice and game,” Van Dyk said. “We have so many goals for this season and one tie won’t stop us from achieving them. Practice this week is going to be really hard, as we still need to improve our fitness and skills to ensure that every game we play from now on will continually get better and better.”
The Lions’ next opponent is William Paterson this Wednesday. The Pioneers are currently second to the College in the NJAC rankings. Their 4-0-1 record in conference play puts them in two points behind the Lions who are a perfect 5-0-0. The game will take place under the lights in Lions’ Stadium starting at 7:30 p.m.
