By KARISSA BIRTHWRIGHT
Staff Writer
What better time for a home opener than a 70 degree night at Plumeri Sports Complex? Nerves were in the air Sep. 1, but it didn’t show, with a successful win for the Women’s Soccer Team.
Looking at their opponent, NYACK, our ladies were favored to win based on the past matches against this team, often resulting in scores of 8-1 and 7-0.
This win actually added another record to the soccer books here at Saint Rose, notching the ninth year of winning the home opener.
As far as the context of the game went, the Golden Knights outshot their opponent 30-5, showing inevitable scoring opportunities. Around the 11th minute in the first half, we saw the first of three smooth finishes from freshman forward Victoria Barris.
Barris is a young player, however mighty. This first goal was set up by a corner kick from junior forward Morgan Burchhardt.
Burchhardt and Barris paired once again on a free kick, set up by Morgan and finished off by Victoria. There was a common connection that everyone saw on the field and was greatly applauded by the fans, coaches and teammates.
Barris scores the third goal as well, making her the first player in two years to score a proper hat trick in a game.
Of notable shots, Raven Small, a junior on this year’s team, attempted a top-left corner that deflected off the crossbar, stunning the crowd nonetheless. She totaled for five shots on goal in the home opener.
Speaking to team captain Morgan Burchhardt after the game was a pleasure, although she was already thinking about the next game. The team travels to face opponent Holy Family on Saturday, Sep. 3. Despite being in the lead at half, the myth about “2-0 being the most dangerous score in soccer” loomed.
When asking Burchhardt about the talk at halftime, she replied, “We wanted to enter the second half with a clean sheet and keep building off of our lead.”
On keeping the lead that they intended to build off of, she noted, “We needed to implement some adjustments into the game in order to stay successful and see more success.”
Burchhardt, recently named to the “Hero Sports Preseason All American” team, made some comments from a captain standpoint as well. “Some things were done well, but there’s a lot of improvement that needs to happen,” she said, truly showing her desire to improve as a team.
“Unfortunately we don’t have a lot of time due to a demanding week of scheduling but we are going to work hard and work on our goals,” Burchhardt explained. Addressing personal goals, she seemed very inspired by her teammates essentially, but also taking her role as a captain very seriously.
“As much as I would like individual awards, I want to strive very hard with my team to reach another Final 4, as well as winning the league and conference tournament.”
Overall, the Golden Knights came to play on Thursday night to prove that they are ready for the season ahead. Although there will be some tough opponents, the way that the women seemed to mesh on the field seemed fairly unbreakable.
Come support your Women’s soccer team next Saturday, Sep. 10 at home, as they take on Southern New Hampshire at 2 p.m. on Plumeri field. Wear your black and gold, and be loud! Representing your school is one of the greatest honors you can have.
