Colgate Women's Soccer Season Ends
Colgate's Jillian Kinter, the Patriot League Offensive Player of the Year, battles an Army player for possession during semifinal round action in the 2011 Patriot League Tournament Friday. Colgate lost 2-0. (Photo by Bob Cornell)
The Colgate women's soccer team concluded its season Friday evening in the first semifinal game of the 2011 Patriot League Tournament when it fell to Army 2-0 at home.
Despite a hard fought second half and a flurry of close attempts towards the end of the game, the Raiders could not find the back of the net.
Colgate came out playing attacking soccer in the first half, testing the Black Knights' defense but was called for a pair of offside plays. However, it was Army that was able to score the opening goal at the 5:26 mark off a chipped shot that sailed over junior goalie Ashley Walsh into the top right corner to take the 1-0 lead. The early goal gave way to a very physical half as both teams fought to control the pace of the game and the ball possession. The Raiders found their first real chance in the eighth minute when a corner kick from senior co-captain Maddie Malone landed in the box and bounced back to junior Elise Amioka but her shot on net was blocked by a defender. The Black Knights then became the more attacking team as Colgate struggled to find its offensive rhythm and connect on its passes. Midway through the half, the Raiders were able to turn things around, finding some attacking opportunities in the final 20 minutes of the half. However, at the end of the first 45 minutes of play, the score remained 1-0 in favor of Army.
Colgate jumped out to an aggressive start in the second half, putting a lot of pressure on the Black Knights' defense in an attempt to break it down. As the half continued, Army tried to relieve some of the pressure by creating some offense with a couple of long strikes at the Raiders' net, but it was not enough to deter them from their mission. Colgate continued to play fast-paced soccer, forcing the Black Knights to play some tough defense. Feeling the pressure Army then had an offensive burst, coming close to a second goal when a pass into the box resulted in an open shot on net but it was denied by junior Sarah Henderson who threw her body in front of the ball to make a defensive save that would keep the Raiders within one goal.
In the final portion of the second period, Colgate began to build its attack from its wings, using the speed of its outside players to help generate some offense. The Raiders then found their closest attempt of the game with less than four minutes left on the clock when a cross from junior Jillian Kinter found its way to senior co-captain Danielle Wessler who was running into the box and headed the ball just inches wide of the right post. The Back Knights then struck back with a second goal at the 89:42 mark on a counter attack to win the game 2-0 and advance to the championship game on Sunday where they will face Navy.
Ashley Walsh had an impressive performance in net making two important saves and numerous stops for Colgate while Army's Monica Lee also had a great showing with seven saves in the game.
The Colgate women's soccer team completes its 2011 season with an 11-6-2 overall record and as the 2011 Patriot League Regular-Season Champions. The Raiders had four players named to the All-Patriot League Teams, including the Patriot League Offensive Player of the Year, Jillian Kinter, and the Patriot League Rookie of the Year, Jenna Raepple, who were both honored before the game and were also named to the first team. Freshman Caroline Brawner and senior Maddie Malone were second team selections. Sophomore Klara Jenkins was named to the Academic All-Patriot League team.
Souce: Colgate
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