STATEN ISLAND, NY – The College of Staten Island women's soccer team celebrated Senior Day on Saturday afternoon as they hosted Mercy University in an East Coast Conference (ECC) matchup at Dolphins Soccer Park. Prior to kickoff, the Dolphins honored seven seniors: Caitlyn Thompson, Joana Ruiz, Gabriela Castro, Riley Hammond, Sydney Brown, Mazzy Cirinelli, and Millie Hunt.
In a hard-fought battle, the Dolphins entered the afternoon needing a tie to secure their first-ever ECC postseason berth. With less than 10 minutes remaining, that goal appeared within reach. However, the Mavericks scored twice in the closing minutes to overcome the Dolphins and secure a 3-1 victory.
The first half remained scoreless until the 33rd minute, when Mercy found the back of the net to take a 1-0 lead. CSI goalkeeper Oksana Zahirna recorded seven of her 13 saves in the opening half to keep the Dolphins within striking distance heading into the break.
Mercy threatened again in the opening seconds of the second half, but its attempt sailed just wide of the goal. The Dolphins responded with an offensive push, recording six shots in the frame. Their efforts eventually paid off when CSI was awarded a penalty kick, which Thompson converted by finding the bottom-left corner of the net to even the score at 1-1 with approximately 15 minutes remaining.
Minutes later, Mia Cole and Thompson each attempted to give the Dolphins the lead, but both efforts were stopped by the Mavericks' goalkeeper. Mercy eventually regained the advantage when a shot in the closing minutes was ruled a goal by the far-side official, putting the Mavericks ahead 2-1. Mercy added another goal shortly afterward to seal the 3-1 victory.
The College of Staten Island women's soccer team concluded its season with a 3-8-1 overall record and a 2-4-1 mark in ECC play.
GAME REPLAY
