Staten Island, NY | The Dolphins and Beavers squared off for a top of the table bout this afternoon as both teams came in undefeated in the CUNYAC. Staten Island would prove to have too much offensive power for CCNY as they would go on to win 4-2 and stay undefeated. The win bumped the Dolphins up to 7-5, 4-0 while the Beavers dropped to 7-4, 3-1.
The Dolphins started quickly, making sure to get an early lead against the Beavers' potent offense.
Mirsade Pelinkovic continues to shine in her new role for the Dolphins as she was first on the board with a goal in the 6th minute.
Nermina Bracic continues to produce off of the right flank as she sent a through ball behind the Beavers' backline and onto the foot of Pelinkovic. Pelinkovic was then able to slot her shot underneath an outstretched Catherine Langkamp for the game's first goal.
Lauren Smith was effective in her center attacking mid role today as early in the game she nearly scored a pair of goals. Langkamp was called upon to make a save on one of them as the other just nearly missed the crossbar. There would be a drought in the action until right before the half.
Samantha Lepardo subbed in for Smith in the 36th minute and eight minutes later doubled up Staten Island's lead. Lepardo made a nice run into the box and found herself wide open when she received a pass from
Lizbeth Aparicio for an easy tap-in goal.
The Beavers wouldn't go quietly.
Susan Aracena converted a free kick from 23 yards out into the top left corner over
Kaila DiBenedetto's head. The Dolphins felt the pressure as CCNY came out in the second half hungry for goals. Pelinkovic wasn't done scoring after her first goal in the first half. Pelinkovic would crank a shot from deep and watch it skip off of the wet turf and through Langkamp's legs for her second of the game.
CCNY would quickly respond with a goal of their own as D. Grisales-Agudelo would break free and be one-on-one with DiBenedetto. Grisales-Agudelo made no mistake and tucked it under a charging DiBenedetto to bring her team within one goal.
Nicole Mignone would put the game away for the Dolphins in the 83rd minute. Pelinkovic found Mignone on the left side of the box and was able to pick her out with a pass. Mignone connected with the pass and sent a stunner of a shot to the far post and into the back of the net for her second goal of the season.
Samantha LaValle was doubled for most of the game but nearly put herself on the scoresheet but was denied by Langkamp in the 88th minute.
The Beavers failed to create any more chances and would pick up their first CUNYAC loss of the season.
The Dolphins outshot the Beavers 34-2, however, the Beavers were more efficient with their shots, converting both of their attempts into goals. Langkamp was called upon to make 14 saves in the game. CSI also collected 12 corner kicks to just two for the Beavers.
Staten Island will return to action on Monday, October 8 where they will travel to Montclair, NJ to take on Montclair University in non-conference action.
POST GAME INTERVIEW
GAME VIDEO
