Staten Island, NY |
Samantha LaValle once again came up big for the Dolphins, scoring a brace in a 2-0 win over Ramapo College. The win was the first in program history against the Roadrunners, bumping the mark up to 1-9 all-time. The win today also evened the Dolphins out at 2-2 while knocking the Roadrunners down to 1-4 on the season.
LaValle's brace gives her five goals in two games and six on the year, just two shy of what
Nicole Mignone led the team with last season. Also putting in an outstanding performance was sophomore goalie
Kaila DiBenedetto. DiBenedetto made a total of seven saves in the game, several of which came in big spots.
The first half saw the Dolphins dominate play, moving the ball around on Ramapo's half. LaValle tested Elizabeth Harvell, Ramapo's goalie, early on forcing her to make a crucial save. The Roadrunners nearly took a 1-0 lead in the 23rd minute via a corner kick. Jaycee Sandberg headed the corner kick cross towards the top right corner but was denied by DiBenedetto.
The trio of
Lauren Smith,
Natalia Sandor, and
Adrianna Parello patrolled the center of the pitch making it a point to win second chance balls and distribute the ball to their wingers. The entire defensive line for the Dolphins put in a quality day of work. Led by
Catherine Mulligan, the line of
Brianna DiStefano,
Lizbeth Aparicio, and
Mirsade Pelinkovic muted the Roadrunner's offense.
With the rain only getting heavier as the game wore on, tactics would change for the Dolphins as they moved players around to get the best possible matchup with the players on the field. The half would end in a 0-0 stalemate with the Dolphins holding a 9-7 edge in shots.
9 minutes into the second half, the Dolphins' leading goal scorer, LaValle struck gold on a cross from Pelinkovic. LaValle was able to kick it over her head and off of the crossbar, and for a moment play continued until the head official blew the whistle, crediting a goal as the ball crossed the line. The Dolphins had a chance to double their lead in the 67th minute after LaValle was taken down inside the box.
Smith confidently stepped to the spot but saw her attempt ricochet off of the right post and away from goal. CSI stayed strong as a team and continued their possession style of play which limited Ramapo's chances in the second half.
In the 78th minute, LaValle would strike again. Beating her defender on the right flank, Lavalle was through and one-on-one with Harvell and was able to take one touch around her and shoot it into an open goal for her second of the game.
In the waning moments of the game, Ramapo nearly salvaged the day by preventing a shutout but saw Kaelyn Angelucci's shot skip off of the crossbar and out of play.
The Dolphins return to action on Saturday, September 15 when they host St. Joseph's College - Brooklyn at 10:00 am at the CSI Soccer Complex.
POST GAME INTERVIEW
