EWING, N.J. – Going into Saturday’s New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) women’s soccer final, The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) was unbeaten and on an 11-game win streak. During their regular season matchup on Oct. 5, TCNJ would defeat Montclair State University, 2-1.
One month later, the Red Hawks had a chance at revenge.
The game started out very one-sided. Six shots came within the first six minutes for the Lions. The scoring started when junior midfielder Abby Najdzinowicz scored in the 7th minute, giving TCNJ the 1-0 lead.
Graduate defender Tara Lambert throws in the ball. | Photo Courtesy of Montclair State Athletics
The Red Hawks were dominated on both ends of the field. They would only get off one shot in the first 20 minutes of the game. Montclair State’s defense would stand strong as well, as shots were taken by TCNJ’s offense.
In the 23rd minute, Montclair State would get on the board on just their second shot of the game. The goal came from none other than graduate midfielder Aileen Cahill, scoring off a through ball played in by junior defender Ashley DeFrancesco.
Sophomore forward Madeline Lesica fights for control of the ball. | Photo Courtesy of Montclair State Athletics
The first half ended tied up, 1-1 at Lions Stadium. TCNJ would end the half with 12 total shots.
The score provided hope for the Red Hawks, as they kept pace with a team that had only given up seven goals all season.
The second half would start entirely differently. There would be only five shots in total in the first 20 minutes of the second half.
The go-ahead goal for TCNJ wouldn’t come until the 68th minute. The ball would fall to senior midfielder Allie O’Keefe right at the edge of the box, and she fired it home to give the Lions a 2-1 lead.
From there on, it would be all TCNJ.
Montclair State fell to TCNJ 4-1 in the NJAC final. | Photo Courtesy of Montclair State Athletics
Less than two minutes later, sophomore forward Alyssa Alfano would give her team another goal off a cross from freshman forward Emily Weidner.
Montclair State was forced to battle from two goals down, but unfortunately the game would be completely out of reach after another goal from Alfano to bring the lead to 4-1.
The NJAC final ended with the Lions prevailing. They secured back-to-back titles for the first time since the 2018-2019 seasons.
Montclair State will need an at-large bid to advance to the NCAA Tournament. | Photo Courtesy of Montclair State Athletics
The Red Hawks could have a chance at an at-large bid for the NCAA Tournament. The selection show takes place Monday at 2 p.m.
