For a young RPI women’s soccer team, game experience is proving to be very valuable. Each game is a chance for improvement and understanding of how to play the correct way. They are learning what needs to be done to make all their days of hard work and practice pay off. As the women’s soccer team went on the road for the second week in a row, they looked to do exactly that.
Heading to Manhattan on Sunday, Rensselaer squared off against New York University. The Red Hawks tried to build off of the success of their first victory of the season one week ago.
Unfortunately, starting out the first five minutes of the game a little flat proved to be costly for the Red Hawks. NYU used this opportunity to quickly capitalize against Rensselaer, whose players were still trying to get a feel for the game. NYU tallied the first points of the day just 3:53 into the match. Off a pass from Sarah Pillemer, Violet midfielder Jennifer Tavares’s shot from 20 yards out was good just under the crossbar.
As seen in previous games, the trademark hard work of the Red Hawks let NYU know this game was far from over. Fighting hard for the remainder of the first half, RPI was able to keep the score at 1-0 and looked to strike in the second half.
When the game resumed, the Red Hawks stepped up as they continued to battle the Violets. Working against the clock, RPI tied the game at the 61:23 mark as freshman Kerry Reilly’s shot from ten yards out found its way into the far corner of the goal.
The Red Hawks would have their best chance to take the lead with a crucial shot late in the game, but NYU goalkeeper Katie Barnes was too good defensively, and collected one out of her six saves on the day.
At the 75:42 mark, NYU would capitalize on an opportunity of their own. Off a direct kick, Erin Brickman provided the final blow as she scored the game-winner, netting the shot just over the head and out of reach of senior goalie Tara Marandino. She had seven saves, but needed eight as the Violets walked away with the win. NYU outshot RPI 13-8, and improved their record to 4-2-1.
“It was really an inspirational game because they tried so hard to win, and we were that close,” said Head Coach Eric Miller of his team’s effort. “We are working really hard as a team, and everything we want to accomplish, we have to really earn…we simply haven’t had luck on our side,” Miller would add.
Looking back at the game, it is interesting to note that RPI wasn’t necessarily outplayed throughout the contest. In fact, the Red Hawks threatened the Violets on a greater level than they received themselves. NYU, however, simply made the best out of the opportunities they were given. In sports, teams only get a few opportunities, and making the most of these opportunities is the way to win games.
Coach Miller’s goal is for every player on the team to improve by midseason. There is a thin line between trying to step up and actually playing well. It is evident that the Red Hawks are improving game by game, and as they gain experience, they are taking strides toward Miller’s goal. Exceptional play from seniors Rebecca Primm and Kerstin Kraft, as well as freshmen Judy Kastner, Sarah Hinz, and Reilly are good signs that the team is really coming together and on the verge of a bright future.
The upcoming schedule includes games with Union College and Skidmore. Union is currently undefeated, and while both contests will be testing, they have a solid chance at winning both games.
