YONKERS, N.Y. – First years
Kiley Ritter and
Sonia Simon found the back of the net to lead a furious second half comeback, but it wasn't enough as St. Joseph's Long Island held on to defeat Sarah Lawrence, 4-2, in a Skyline women's soccer match at Tibbetts Brook Park.
IN SHORT
St. Joseph's Long Island (5-5, 3-1) def. Sarah Lawrence (4-5, 2-3), 4-2
RECAP
St. Joseph's Long Island scored two goals in the opening half of play, each by Christina Gagliardi. Gagliardi gave the Eagles a 1-0 advantage in the eighth minute, finishing a rebound after having her initial shot deflected. The forward later converted a penalty kick in the 18th minute, taking advantage of a hand ball in the box.
Gagliardi completed the hat trick in the 47th minute, shooting from inside the box to the near post.
Facing a 3-0 deficit, the Gryphons, playing with only two reserves, continued to battle. Ritter, the Skyline Rookie of the Week for the second time this season, scored her 12th goal of the year in impressive fashion, ripping a shot from the left end line into the netting.
Sarah Lawrence made it a one possession game in the 78th minute, when Simon slipped a ball past the goalkeeper following an excellent through ball from Ritter. It was the rookie's first collegiate goal.
The Eagles got some breathing room in the 84th minute with a score from Savannah McMaster, halting the Gryphons' comeback.
Madison Mertsch finished with five saves in the loss, including an important save in the 79th minute to keep Sarah Lawrence in striking distance.
UP NEXT
Sarah Lawrence wraps up its non-conference slate on Saturday (Oct. 13) with CCNY at Randall's Island. Game time is scheduled for 9:30 a.m.
