By ALEX HORTON
Sports Editor
With the women’s soccer team trailing by two goals at home with 10 minutes left they didn’t need to be concerned. Why? Because it was more than enough time for the Golden Knights to tie the game and force overtime against Roberts Wesleyan. Not only was there one overtime, they went to double overtime, and tied at a score of 2-2. However, you couldn’t tell it was a tie by looking at the stats.
“We dominated the match, with 30 shots and 21 corner kicks. A questionable call for a penalty kick made it a challenge being down 2-0,” said Saint Rose head coach Laurie Darling Gutheil. To Saint Rose’s 30 shots and 21 corners, Robert Wesleyan only had 11 shots and three corners.
In the 82nd minute, senior Silvana Giovannone cut the Wesleyan lead to only one when finishing a corner kick from fellow senior Amanda Vasquez. Senior Gianna Smith added the game tying blow three minutes later touching a shot in off the turf that snuck under the crossbar.
“The response of the team to the circumstances displayed the grit and never give up inner strength that our players possess,” said coach Darling Gutheil.
The second of the double overtimes games went a little better for the nationally ranked second Golden Knights, winning their first in conference game 1-0 against Southern New Hampshire. The lone goal was scored in the 108th minute by freshman Danae Kaldaridou, who is an international student from Greece and is playing for her country this coming week in Switzerland in the U-19 EUFA European championship qualifier. The goal came off a rebound from a header from Michaela Phillips who recorded an assist for her effort.
“It was a really hard fought game especially coming off of another overtime game on Wednesday and they were an extremely physical team so we had to battle the entire game,” said Phillips.
Saint Rose yet again played a double overtime game but the stats showed how dominate their team really is. Getting 19 shots to New Hampshire’s six, only two of which were actually put on goal compared to Saint Rose’s nine. They have been just as dominant in their four games this year. They have outshot opponents 115 to a measly 22 where only 11 of which have been put on goal.
The next game for the Golden Knights is on Wednesday when they take on Saint Michael’s away from home for an in-conference match.
“Every NE-10 game is gruelling and it takes mental toughness and technical talent to execute the game-plan to come out victorious,” said Darling Gutheil.
Saint Rose’s next home game will be on Saturday where they will take on Stonehill, along with recognizing their 11 seniors on the team.
“An outstanding group of seniors I’m sure they would appreciate a nice turnout of fans. Well worth the effort to get over to Plumeri and cheer them on,” said Darling Gutheil.
