New Jersey Wildcats News Release - www.njwildcats.com
Saturday, June 23, 2012
HOLMDEL, N.J. - The New Jersey Wildcats (4-2-2, 14 points) put together a great collective team effort on Saturday evening, recording a 2-1 victory against the W-League Northeast Division-leading Long Island Rough Riders (6-3-0, 18 points) at Saint John Vianney High School in Holmdel. The Wildcats offense recorded two first-half goals with Andrea Lopez setting up Yael Averbuch, with goalkeeper Chante Sandiford tallying nine saves in the match.
The host Wildcats wasted no time in claiming an early lead in the game, scoring in the second minute of action. On that play, midfielder Amber Brooks collected possession deep on her end of the field before noting a ton of real estate in front of Lopez on the left flank. The UNC product then delivered a ball over the heads of the opposing midfield into that open space, where Lopez ran under it and took it to the left side of the penalty area. She then turned and sent a ball to the mouth of the goal for Averbuch, who quickly turned and booted a strike into the back of the net for the 1-0 advantage.
That same scoring duo hooked up again before halftime, registering a second goal in the 38th minute. Lopez battled a Long Island defender on the end line to earn a corner kick, and she decided to take the ensuing attempt. She then raised her hand and sent distribution to the center of the field, and Averbuch was there to settle before firing a left-footed shot into the far netting.
The Rough Riders made it interesting in the waning minutes of this contest after pushing forward for the entirety of the second half. In the 83rd minute, midfielder Kaila Sciascia collected a corner kick on the right side of the penalty area. She then dealt a quick feed to defender Vaila Barsley directly in front of the goal, and she quickly one-touched a strike into the top netting before Sandiford had any time to react.
Next up for the Wildcats is the New York Magic on Saturday, June 30, with kickoff slated for 4 p.m. at Saint John Vianney High School. Tickets for all Wildcats home matches are available now and can be attained by calling 732-720-9163, and they also are available the day of the game at the gate. Individual tickets as well as team and family packages are available, and more information about the Wildcats can be found online at www.njwildcats.com.