Box Score
ASTON, Pa. – The Neumann University women's soccer team lost a tight-played match 1-0 in double-overtime to New Jersey City University on Wednesday evening in non-conference action.
In a bitter loss that saw the Knights dominate in ball possession and defended with passion and precision, the Knights saw the game slip by them when Jennifer Albuja scored off a give-and-go pass from Julia Caseres in the 105th minute.
Jacqueline McAllister started the game in net for the Knights and made three saves in 60 minutes. Brittany Russ had four saves in net in 43 minutes of relief. Both Neumann keepers delighted the crowd with acrobatic saves to keep the Knights level at 0-0 through regulation.
McAllister showed the fans a flash of brilliance, as she rose to the occasion in the 54th minute when NJCU forward slipped through the cracks of the Neumann ironclad defense on the night. As the NJCU forward broke into the penalty box, McAllister came off her line closing the opponent's angle. McAllister used her cat-like reflex to save the well struck ball destined for the goal. The rebound found the feet of another NJCU player, but only to be disappointed by the goal line save of a Neumann Defender.
It was Brittany Russ' turn to save the day, making a save on a Caseres shot from the top of the box in the 80th minute. Russ skillfully used her fingertips to redirect the ball off the crossbar, as a defender cleared the ball out of harm's way.
Neumann did not go down without its chances. Meghan Garsey created two opportunities in the first half of play, as well as receiving a ball in the penalty box in the first overtime. With just three minutes left in regulation, Nica Mecceriello shot the ball just wide of the Gothic Knights goal. She also had a chance in the overtime session.
Freshman players Ashley Hawkins and Emily Sanders were bright performers on the night. There pace and skill proved to be problematic for NJCU. Mecceriello was superb, slicing and dicing down the right wing all night.
The whole back four and center midfield can be credited with an incredible defensive effort. Both center backs Heather Hopkins and Stacie Bolgunas stood tall and defended with great efficiency winning all head balls and tackles , while keeping the team well organized.
Neumann (1-2) will travel to Rowan University (0-2) on Saturday for a 1:00 p.m. kick-off. Rowan is coming off a loss to CSAC rivals Centenary College 1-0.
