EWING – The College of New Jersey’s women’s soccer team does it again.
In the first four minutes of the Lions’ game against Rutgers-Newark, they scored their first goal, courtesy of Christine Levering with an assist from Jessica Goldman.
In true Groundhog Day fashion, was a good indication of how the rest of the game would play out. The Lions improved their record to 9-0, maintained their shutout-streak and defeated the Scarlet Raiders, 3-0.
TCNJ remains the only Division III team to have not conceded a goal this season.
The Scarlet Raiders’ away-game winning streak came to an end as they faced the Lions. Last year the Lions also came out on top against them, winning 3-0.
There was very little action in the midfield as both teams fought for control of the ball.
The Lions offense kept winning the ball and kept it near the Raiders’ goalie primarily in the second half and managed to keep it away from the mid field.
This is reflected by the amount of shot attempts that took place on either side. The Lions had the Scarlet Raiders beat by 35-2. Goalie Nicole DiPasquale only needed to make one save during the game.
Despina Lianidis scored her third goal of the season 29.17 minutes in. Hannah Richland assisted her with the through ball to 17 yard shot.
Defensive player Ally DeRiggi, with an assist from Alexa Pestritto, earned her first goal as a Lion towards the end of the first half. After receiving a short pass, she took a shot at the goal before falling and the Rutgers-Newark goalie was unable to save it—making it the 3rd point scored for the Lions.
“I was really excited about it and I hope I can score more if I can,” said DeRiggi. “I was very shocked it went in but I was just very happy that I got to be apart of the goal score.”
The final goal of the game, a low right to left cross, was scored by Levering in the second half. This is Levering’s 9th goal of the season and added to her personal record. Levering is now in second place for scoring the most points and having the most goals in TCNJ’s history.
Although it was an important win, head coach Joe Russo felt the Lions had not played to their fullest potential.
“I actually didn’t think we played as well as we’re capable, said Russo. “I thought the game was choppy and a bit sloppy in stretches. A lot of times we get caught up in the correlation between how many goals you score and how well you play and there’s a big difference.”
According to Levering, “We talked in halftime to keep the same energy, and work fast through the middle and everything, so I think we did that and tried to possess it more.”
“In some ways I think we did better and in others I think we still have room to improve,” said Levering.
Next week the Lions will take on Gettysburg for a non-conference game on Wednesday, Oct. 4 at 7:30. According to Russo the “well coached and well organized” Gettysburg team will provide the Lions with a new challenge to anticipate.
“There is still a lot better in us, and hopefully we can play the way we’re capable of playing,” said Russo.
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