Soccer Packet: Game Advance

T.C.N.J. Women’s Soccer is Going for the Perfect 10

 By: Mark Barroso

--Ewing, New Jersey

The College of New Jersey women’s soccer team (9-0) is ready to achieve double digit perfection as it hosts New Jersey Athletic Conference opponent Rutgers-Camden (1-5-2), under the lights at Lions Stadium on Wednesday, September 29^th at 7:30 p.m.

“Kean told us not to underestimate Rutgers, they tied them”, said inactive defender Lauren Giles (ankle sprain).

Indeed, last week’s game against Kean University (6-1-2 overall) proved a lot to the Lions.

“This game has many implications on many fronts.” said Lions head coach Joe Russo, in his 21^st season as the Lions’ head coach.

Russo’s implications included a possible tie, or even an upset victory by the Scarlet Raptors.

Last year, The Lions defeated the Scarlet Raptors 2-0, Also, the Raptors are under the tutelage of a brand new head coach in Kris Anderson.

The contribution from the youth of the Lions squad has definitely given them motivation going into Wednesday.

 Freshman goalkeeper Kendra Griffith is the NJAC’s current Defensive Player of the Week, and was Rookie of the Week last week. Griffith currently leads the NJAC in both goals against average (0.12) and save percentage (.947).

“Everyone is really supportive. We just try to knock their confidence down,” Griffith said.

Her freshman friend, midfielder Sloan DePiero is now NJAC Rookie of the Week and has scored two goals so far during the 2010 season.

“We don't take anyone for granted. Playing midfield was hard because they (Rutgers-Camden) played with five in the middle,” DePiero said.

As for the Scarlet Raptors, a win against the Lions would give them a huge morale boost and establish as them a credible NJAC contender. Rutgers-Camden last won on September 11^th, when they hosted the still winless team of Cedar Crest College.

Forward Samantha Sharp leads the Raptors with 7 goals this year. Senior captain and defender Kathleen Malony has three varsity letters.

T.C.N.J.’s leading scorers are both sophomores as forward Jessica Davila and defender Brenna Rubino each have tallied five goals.

Rutgers-Camden is “not a big rival” for TCNJ according to freshman forward Katie Lindacher.

Nonetheless, Russo said, “It is another big game for us. Everyone is a threat to our 9-0 record.”

The showdown at Lions Stadium can result in the 10^th straight win for the infallible Lions, or can be the necessary stepping stone for the improving Scarlet Raptors.