Newburgh, NY- The Knights, who were coming off a big come from behind draw in their previous match, came into tonight's conference game looking to keep the energy going. Playing host to #3 Farmingdale State College, the Mount needed to come out fast and set the tone early. Coach Lyn during pregame, pushed the players to up the energy and increase the pace, wanting to make sure the team was ready for the task at hand.
The first half whistle blew and the Knights were clearly on a mission. Setting high defensive lines, pushing deep into their opponents final third and pressing each clear; the Knights made sure every pass was contested and each ball in the air was going to be won by MSMC. It was because of this forward pressure that much of the first 45 minutes was played in the Rams half of the field, led by center defenders
Maria Baldwin, and
Faith Welsh the Knights defense made sure to keep this game away from their defensive third. It was in the 35th minute that a ball was able to break out of the midfield by
Leah Nemec and set
Lily Tanko on a one on one with the Farmingdale keeper. Showing her composure as a striker Lily buried the ball over the shoulder of the keeper as she charged out at her. The Knights, now playing with a lead, did not sit back wait for the Rams to attack, they went right back to work and continued their press. As the half time whistle blew, the Knights had outshot the visitors in the first half 6 to 5, and were leading 1-0.
The second half was nothing short of a battle. Neither team was willing to allow the score to stay with just that one goal from the first half. The Rams tactics changed from the first half, which was focused more on a wide offense and possessing the ball, to Long balls down the middle. This ultimately kept the Knights playing deeper in their own half and didn't allow for the offensive push that was working the at the beginning of the game. The physicality of the game intensified, and each free kick became tests for the keepers. More than a few times
Christina Kakavas had to come out of her box and handle the long through balls on her own like an eleventh field player. (I would be remiss if I didn't mention how she expertly navigated one particular situation where she came 30 yards off her own line to make a defensive clear with her head). It wasn't until the 82nd minute
Mary Langan was taken down just outside of the Farmingdale 18 that the Knights sealed the victory.
Emma Mihale from 30 plus yards out, stood alone over the free kick. Approaching the ball and hitting a beautifully placed shot on net, kissing the underside of the crossbar, the ball found the back of the net and the Knights now led 2-0.
The score stayed at 2-0 at the final whistle, and the Knights had given the Rams their first conference loss of the year. "This was a tough, physical game, and I am very proud of the ladies. They came out with the energy and aggressiveness we have been after all season. Defensively we did a great job and our attack got the job done when we needed them too," said Coach Lyn after the game.
The Mount will continue their conference play this weekend at Kings Point, as they take on the Mariners from The US Merchant Marine Academy.
