Montclair, NJ – The Montclair State University Women's Soccer team was edged in overtime by Rutgers-Camden 1-0 on Saturday afternoon at MSU Soccer Park in the NJAC Tournament Quarterfinals.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Red Hawks (12-4-2) generated a pair of looks early, as SHANNON MULLINS saw a pair of shots blocked by the Rutgers-Camden back line over the first seven minutes. The first look of the day for the visitors came in the 15th minute, sailing out over the top of the crossbar. Rutgers-Camden created their first shot on goal six minutes later, with MACKENZIE SIBELLO coming away with a stop. Both teams continued to play tight defensively, as Mullins notched the lone shot of the ensuing 15-plus minutes. The Red Hawks generated a pair of shots off a corner kick as the half approached the 40th minute, with Sibello tallying another save in the waning moments to keep the game scoreless at the break.
- Montclair's first shot on goal of the afternoon came in the 58th minute, as KAYLEE LAUBER made a run to the end line and ripped a right-footed attempt towards the near post. Less than a minute later, SOPHIA ORELLANA played the ball over the top of the Rutgers-Camden defense to a breaking Lauber, who got past the last defender and forced the keeper to come out. The freshman toe-poked a right-footed shot, but could not fully lift it over the keeper, as the ball took a deflection out of play for a corner kick. Neither side would allow a shot for the next 20 minutes of play until Mullins saw a point-blank shot right in front of goal miss just high following a corner kick in the 79th minute.
- Over the final 10 minutes of play, both sides searched for the breakthrough strike, as CARLY GUZZARDO ripped a shot towards the left post in the 84th minute. Shortly after, Rutgers-Camden went for goal with Sibello registering a save in the waning moments of the stanza. Montclair had one final opportunity in regulation, with a header on a corner kick with under 10 seconds on the clock missing just to the left of goal. The Scarlet Raptors struck in the 97th minute, winning possession in their own half of the field, surging across towards goal, and tucking a pass to just inside the box on the far side for a right-footed game-winner.
INSIDE THE RESULTS
- Mullins led the way for Montclair with four shots, as Lauber finished the day with three including a pair on goal.
- Sibello finished the afternoon with three saves in goal for the Red Hawks.
- Montclair held a 10-6 advantage in shots for the day.
FROM THE FIELD
"It's always devastating when a season ends but I am so appreciative of the efforts of this group. I will miss coaching this group and specifically our senior class." - Head Coach Pat Naughter
