Box Score Flushing, N.Y. – The Queens College women's soccer team rebounded from a tough loss against #13 Adelphi on Saturday, with a 1-0 win against Central Athletic Collegiate Conference opponent, Philadelphia University. The game appeared headed to extra time until Nicolette Scrozzo put the Knights ahead in the 82nd minute.
Queens College looked to get forward from the onset behind the play of Scrozzo and freshman Erin Vernillo on the wings. The team put pressure on the Rams defense to the tune of five first half shots, with three coming from Vernillo alone. Philadelphia University responded with four shots of their own, forcing senior goalkeeper Mersina Onesto to make three saves. Heading into halftime, it did not appear as if either team had a real clear advantage.
Just as they did to open the contest, the forwards for the Knights looked to pressure the Ram's backline early in the second half. Neither side could get on the scoreboard until the dying embers. In fact, Philadelphia University seemed more aggressive in going after their chances, attempting nine shots in the half and forcing Onesto into making two more saves, bringing her total to five on the game.
Then in the 82nd minute, senior Amanda Murolo, who came on as a substitute in the 64th minute, put in a cross from the right side of the field that found Scrozzo waiting on the far post. The junior from Smithtown, New York, was able to put the ball in with relative ease to put the Knights in the driver's seat, 1-0. Not entirely content with the one goal margin, Vernillo had a great opportunity in the 89th minute from inside the box that beat the keeper before passing just wide of the net.
Although it was the Knights' persistent attack that eventually put them through, the team's backline of Bridget Gleason, Country Locurcio, Itzel Guzman, Deanna Hagen and Onesto deserve ample credit for sealing their third clean sheet on the season.
The Queens College women's soccer team returns to action on Saturday, September 27, when they head to Molloy College for a conference tilt against the Lions. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00 PM.
