Staten Island, NY - The CCNY women's soccer team fell 2-1 in the CUNY Athletic Conference Championship Semifinal game to rival Staten Island at the CSI Soccer Complex.
"Today we lost to a very good CSI team. We came on very strong in the second half. I thought our girls showed great heart and determination." said Head Coach
Louis Manoussos "We all thought that Melany's header with a few minutes left would go in, but their keeper came up big. The future of this program looks extremely bright. I am so proud of our entire team and coaching staff. For sure we will be back in this position next year."
CSI scored first in the game in the ninth minute. Victoria Sanchez scored the unassited goal, for her fourth of the season.
CSI's second goal was netted in the 38
th minute by Keonjah Nugent. Assisted by Daniela Zirpolo, Nugent netted her third goal of the season with a shot over the goalkeeper.
CCNY entered halftime trailing the Dolphins 2-0 and were being outshot 9-1.
The Beavers bounced back late second half. In the 72
nd minute,
Daniela Grisales-Agudelo sent a pass into the box for classmate
Gabrielle Duchaussee, who connected with a shot off the cross bar to bring the game within one. Grisales-Agudelo now has a team-high nine assists, and Duchaussee has netted 15 goals this season.
With under two minute remaining in regulation, the Beavers got a chance to tie the game with a free kick opportunity. Sophomore
Catherine Langkamp booted a picture-perfect ball to
Melany Caceres. Caceres headed the ball towards goal, but CSI's keeper Kaila DiBenedetto made a crucial game-saving save.
CCNY would have another opportunity mere seconds later off the rebound from DiBenedetto save, but a high shot over the goal by
Amy Gomez sealed the game, as the CSI would esacpe, 2-1.
The Lavendar & Black were outshot 17-4 and had a 6-4 advantage in corner kick chances. Duchaussee had two shots to lead CCNY. Langkamp made five saves in net.
The CCNY women's soccer team will await its destiny on Selection Monday (Nov. 6) to determine its next contest in postseason play.