Press Release Written by Mitchell Coll
LAKEWOOD, N.J. - - The Wildcats battle the Lions to a 1-1 draw to earn a vital point on the road in a Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference women's soccer matchup Wednesday afternoon.
In the first half of action, Emilie Larsen created the Wildcat's first chance of the game. In the 14th minute, Anastasia Diakos controlled the ball in the middle of the field. Diakos found Larsen on the right side, about 20-yards out from goal. Larsen cut the ball back to her left foot, but the Georgian Court's keeper saved her shot.
The Wildcats won the first ball off a punt by the goalkeeper, off the save from Larsen's shot. Samantha Emmi won the ball in the air, and Gabbi Corchiani controlled the second ball. Corchiani linked with Annie Holst in the midfield. Holst then played a through ball to Julia Yuhase, who was now in the Georgian's 18-yard box. Yuhase dribbled down to the end line and found Anastasia Diakos around the penalty area. Diakos one-touch finished the opportunity, as her shot went bar-down to put the 'Cats up 1-0 in the 15th minute.
The Wildcats had two shots in the first half, with both being on goal. Georgian Court had four shots in the first half with none on goal. The Wildcat's defense blocked one shot and fended off three corner kick chances for the Lions in the first half.
Mio Nakajima recorded her first save in the second half. Nakajima made a routine save from a shot about 20 yards out. Nakajima was in the perfect position to make a save and keep the Lions off the scoreboard.
The Lion's offensive pressure eventually broke through in the 61st minute as they stopped a through ball a little past midfield and started a counterattack from their back line. The Lions switched the field from left to right and had an unmarked Lion down the right side. The ball was crossed to the far post and found the Lion's Krystal Hund, who headed the ball down to tie the game at one-a-piece.
In the 73rd minute, Isabella Lundberg found Emilie Larsen at the top of the 18-yard box. Larsen dribbled into the box on the right side and fired a shot, but Georgian's keeper cut off the angle to make the save.
In the 82 minute, the Wildcats had a great chance at scoring the go-ahead goal as Alicia White played a ball into the box and found Kailynn Ortiz. Ortiz positioned herself well to get a touch on the ball, but her shot was saved.
The Lions had an opportunity to score in the 85th minute from another cross from the right side of the field that eventually found the feet of Krystal Hund. However, Samantha Emmi minimized the chance by blocking a shot that looked promising for the Lions.
The Wildcats will be back on the road on Saturday, October 8, for a CACC matchup against the University of Bridgeport at 3:00 PM.