The Golden Knights will be competing for the national championship for the fourth consecutive year
By JACKSON WANG
Sports Editor
PUBLISHED NOVEMBER 21, 2011
For the fourth year in a row, the Saint Rose women’s soccer team will be going to the NCAA Division 2 Final Four in Pensacola, Florida. On Sunday, the #10 Golden
Knights defeated #2 California 1-0 for the rights to go to the Final Four.
Saint Rose struggled to capitalize on many opportunities in the first half of the game.
The Golden Knights started out strong on defense keeping the ball out of their side of the field and counterattacking California’s miss opportunities.
Still, the Golden Knights struggle to find the back of the net in the first half.
The Golden Knights had opportunities from crosses and corner kicks, but great effort from California’s keeper, senior Paula Jackson, kept the game scoreless in the first half.
California also made strong pushes, but most shots and passes were cut off by the Golden Knight’s defense.
With just over 12 minutes left to go, sophomore Carmelina Puopolo delivered a shot that went just left of the goal post.
Saint Rose went into halftime tied 0-0.
The Golden Knights out shot California 4 shots to 0 in the first half. California’s keeper, Paula Jackson, was forced to make four saves, while Saint Rose’s keeper, sophomore Jessica Gerski was forced to make 0 saves in the first half.
The second half opened with the Golden Knights attacking right from the get go. One minute into the half, senior Nicola D’Errico delivered a shot that went off the post and back into play. Senior Christina Cuffari tried putting it back, but a save was made by Jackson.
Less than one minute later, the Golden Knights finally took the lead in the game. Puopolo delivered a pass to senior Gianna D’Errico, and D’Errico made a move around a defender and put into the back of the net.
California did not go away, they kept attacking the whole second half, but only managed to get one shot on goal. California’s defense kept them within a goal of tying the game the whole second half.
Great defense from Saint Rose defenders kept California off the scoreboard.
Saint Rose nearly put the game away for good in the 79th minute with a shot from Nicola D’Errico that hit the top of the crossbar.
California made a big substitution in the 84th minute bringing on three new players, but it wasn’t enough to keep their season going.
Next up for the Golden Knights will be the Final Four in Pensacola, Florida. The Golden Knights will take on Armstrong Atlantic State on December 1st.
If the Golden Knights do win against Armstrong Atlantic State, they will go on to play for their first national title on December 3rd.
