Averbuch Lifts Wildcats Past Rangers

New Jersey Wildcats News Release - www.njwildcats.com

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

EWING, NJ - Midfielder Yael Averbuch scored a pair of goals and added an assist to lead the New Jersey Wildcats (3-1-2) to a 4-1 victory against the New Jersey Rangers (1-4-0) on Wednesday evening at The College of New Jersey. Midfielders Rachel Breton and Amber Brooks also tallied goals, with Kristen Edmonds and Andrea Lopez each recording assists.

The Wildcats wasted little time in getting the offense going. In the eighth minute, on a play that started from the left corner flag, defender Taylor Mims hit a pass over to Lopez, who then turned and found Breton with some room in front of the goal. Breton side stepped a defender, which opened up enough space for her to fire a right-footed rocket into the far side netting and give her club a 1-0 advantage.

The lead was extended eight minutes later, when Edmonds connected with Averbuch for the first of her two goals on the night. The Metuchen native collected in the midfield before sending a high ball forward where Averbuch was able to easily settle and work herself into a one-on-one with Rangers goalkeeper Lauren Mains. The former NCAA and WPS champion quickly touched the ball to the left outside of a diving Mains to find a wide open net in front of her slotting it home for a 2-0 advantage.

The Wildcats added another goal just before the halftime whistle. After gaining possession in the midfield, Averbuch delivered a perfect ball to the front line where Brooks snuck under it and settled. After creating some space she then blasted a left-footed strike that ripped into the right netting.

After the break the Wildcats added another insurance goal with Edmonds again hooking up with Averbuch in the 50th minute. Edmonds looked up to find Averbuch open in front of the frame. Averbuch controlled well and showed no hesitation before hammering a strike past Mains to go up 4-0.

Despite the disadvantage, the Rangers continued to fight and eventually pulled one back. Gabrielle Galanti set up Connie Gormley nicely in the 77th minute to get the Rangers on the board.

The Wildcats have a break this weekend before returning to TCNJ in Ewing, New Jersey next Thursday, June 14, hosting the Long Island Rough Riders in a battle for the top spot in the Northeast Division.

Tickets for all Wildcats home matches are available and can be obtained by calling 732-720-9163. Individual game tickets as well as team and family packages are available. For more information about the Wildcats visit www.njwildcats.com.