Two goals from Rowan University in the first half were just enough to get past the Montclair State University women’s soccer team in a wild New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) championship.
The Red Hawks were looking to get some revenge from last year’s loss to Rowan in the conference semifinals.
Trevor Giesberg | The Montclarion
With the win, the Profs automatically qualify for the NCAA tournament while the Red Hawks had to wait until the NCAA Selection Show. It was announced on Nov. 7 that they were selected.
The NJAC championship featured two very different halves. For the majority of the first half, the game was being played on Rowan’s terms. They controlled much of the possession and Montclair State struggled to move up the field.
Freshman defender Ashley DeFrancesco willing her way through the defense to get an open opportunity.
Trevor Giesberg | The Montclarion
There was a lot of physicality in the match, with Rowan receiving multiple yellow cards.
Trevor Giesberg | The Montclarion
In the 29th minute, sophomore midfielder Sarah Bergan for Rowan put in a great ball off of a corner toward the back post to sophomore defender Emma DeMaise, who headed it back across goal to senior forward Nina Carlson who finished it.
Senior goalkeeper Haley Martin gets ready to kick the ball down the field and restart the possession.
Trevor Giesberg | The Montclarion
On another corner just 10 minutes later, the Profs doubled their lead as Bergan found Demaise for a header into the back of the net.
In the second half, the Red Hawks very much flipped the script and started to dictate the pace of play, especially later in the game.
Rowan’s goalkeeper was on fire in this game, making crucial saves throughout.
Trevor Giesberg | The Montclarion
Even well made shots in the top corner, Rowan goalkeeper Calista Burke was there to defend it. Trevor Giesberg | The Montclarion
It wasn’t until the 78th minute that Montclair State would score and it was by junior midfielder Aileen Cahill after receiving a pass, turning and firing a rocket past the keeper to cut the lead to one.
Junior midfielder Aileen Cahill attempting to get around a defender.
Trevor Giesberg | The Montclarion
The Red Hawks kept the pressure on and created a couple more opportunities but, in the end, it was too little and too late.
