EWING – The winning streak, and defensive-scoreless streak lives on another day.
From the start, The College of New Jersey women’s soccer team, dominated both offensively, defensively and controlled possession in a 3-0 win over Ramapo at the TCNJ Soccer Complex.
The Lions, ranked third in the United Soccer Coaches Association poll, won their 11th straight game to start the season, and again did not allow a goal. They remain the only team in Division III who has yet to allow an opponent to score, and outshot Ramapo 27-1.
TCNJ’s star forward Christine Levering was absent from Saturday’s game, but it’s obvious that the young squad did just fine without their star Forward.
Midfielder Elizabeth Thoresen scored two goals on eight shots, one coming via a penalty kick.
“I’ve been in a dry streak for a while,” Thoresen said. “It’s my senior year, it’s kind of disappointing, but October is the most important month of the year because it leads into tournament time. So, this is the good time to score goals.”
In addition to Thoresen’s big day, Alexa Pestritto scored the Lions’ second goal on a 25-yard free kick, sailing the ball over the head of Ramapo goalkeeper Elizabeth Harvell, as time expired in the first half.
“It feels really great to get the opportunity to be effective in the game.” Pestritto said.
Pestritto was also confident about the state of her teammates and the way the team has performed. She also made a bold prediction about the team in the playoffs.
“We’re going all the way,” Pestritto said. “We want it – we’re going to get there.”
For TCNJ head coach Joe Russo, it’s a good day when the team wins, but it was an even better day as he felt the team was more consistent in Saturday’s contest than the last three.
“I thought we played with a purpose for longer stretches of the game today, which always good.” Russo said.
However, despite their success to this point, Russo understands that wins against NJAC opponents down the stretch are vital.
“We still have some very important games left on our schedule,” Russo said. “We have Stockton on Wednesday night, which is on senior night, which is always dangerous. Then we have to go to Montclair, so we have a lot on our schedule in front of us.”
The team is also looking to keep its hot streak rolling, which would help the Lions accomplish something they set out to do before the season began.
“We need to play well in these last five or six conference games so we can host the conference tournament, which is a goal of ours.” Russo said.
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