Box Score
ALBANY – The College of Saint Rose surrendered a first half goal for only the second time all time year, but nevertheless responded quickly and then registered the game-winner in the final 10 minutes to keep its unbeaten record intact on “Senior Day” at Sullivan Field at the Plumeri Sports Complex.
Sophomore midfielder
Sydney Bond tallied both goals for Saint Rose after junior forward Kaitlin Oldfield scored with just 2:31 elapsed to afford the Hawks (1-8-2/1-6-2 NE-10) a 1-0 lead. Oldfield ran onto a loose ball at the top of area and slipped it home for her team-leading fourth marker of the year. The advantage stood for a mere 18 seconds though as senior midfielder
Brittany Godin sent in a cross from the left flank that Bond drove between the posts to square the contest at 1-1.
The two squads then played scoreless soccer for the ensuing 79 minutes until senior midfielder
Christina Cuffari sailed a corner from the right flag that bounced in a group of players near the goal line, before Bond jumped on it and finished for what turned out to be the game-winner.
The game was somewhat evenly played during the first period although the Golden Knights (11-0-1/9-0-1 NE-10), who are ranked #8 in the latest
NSCAA National Poll, generated a 13-8 advantage in shots. Saint Rose noticeably stepped up the pressure throughout the final 45 minutes and continually probed the Saint Anselm side that ultimately yielded a 9-2 shot differential.
The Golden Knights had several chances to snap the tie before Bond's late goal with Cuffari providing the most dangerous threat when she ripped a shot from 30-yards out that rattled off the crossbar in the 31st minute.
Saint Anselm freshman keeper Gabriella Primera recorded six saves to keep the hopes of a Hawks' upset alive all afternoon. Meanwhile, sophomore
Jessica Gerski made two saves and was her usual solid self for Saint Rose.
Looking ahead, the Golden Knights return to conference action Wednesday when New Haven visits Sullivan Field. Kickoff is set for 5:00 pm. The game is scheduled to be streamed live on
www.gogoldenknights.tv. Meanwhile, the Hawks return home Wednesday as well to host NE-10 rival Bentley for a 7:00 pm match in Manchester, NH.
Prior to the game, seven seniors were recognized for their outstanding careers in a Golden Knights uniform. The group included Nicola D'Errico,
Kimberly Morton,
Derith Fernandes,
Aoife Herbert, and Gianna D'Errico along with Godin and Cuffari.
Senior Day Photo Gallery
Postgame Interview with Sydney Bond