Box Score ROCHESTER, N.Y. – The Queens College women's soccer team found themselves a goal-up over conference-leading Roberts Wesleyan during their conference clash on Sunday afternoon, but the Knights' upset bid ultimately fell short, losing 2-1 at the final whistle.
Building off the momentum of yesterday's road victory over Daemen College, Queens seized the early lead thanks to a linkup between sophomore Erin Vernillo and senior Gena Koutsounadis. Working in the 8th minute, Koutsounadis in a central position delivered a through ball to the right side finding Vernillo for her fourth goal of the season. For Koutsounadis it was her first assist of the campaign.
Unsatisfied with a 1-0 lead, senior forward Nicolette Scrozzo tried the opposing goalkeeper in the 10th minute with her attempt on goal, and a later corner kick in the 14th minute resulted in sophomore Megan DeRosa sailing a header over the net. The Redhawks evened the score in the 26th minute, when Jodi Kester netted an unassisted goal. Heading into intermission, the score was tied, 1-1.
Despite entering the contest with an undefeated record in East Coast Conference play and sporting a No. 4 rank in the latest National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) East Region poll, Roberts Wesleyan were on the defensive coming out of the break. Koutsounadis threatened with a shot on goal in the match's 47th minute, but the Redhawks quickly regained their footing and unleashed a flurry of attempts beginning in the 51st minute. Two strikes in the 56th and 67th minutes forced the Knights' goalkeeper Kimberly Chacko to make key saves that kept the match level. Forward Bella Mitrevski broke through in the 74th minute by using a long blast from 20 yards out to beat Chacko at the left post. It was Mitrevski's 13th goal of the season, and it provided the game-winning goal for the Redhawks, who went on to win 2-1 on their home field.
With the result, the Knights move to 5-4-2 on the season and 2-3-1 in ECC play. Queens remains level with fourth-place Dowling in the standings, but the Golden Bears have two games in hand. Meanwhile, Roberts Wesleyan maintains their position at the top of the table with 15 points and a 5-0 conference record.
Queens College finishes their 4-game road streak on Thursday, Oct. 15, when the team travels to Philadelphia to take on CACC opponent Holy Family. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 p.m.
