Valkyries Too Much For Rangers

North Jersey Valkyries News Release - www.njvalkyries.com

Saturday, July 7, 2012

WAYNE, N.J - With just two games remaining, the North Jersey Valkyries have finally claimed the top spot in the W-League Northeast Division following a franchise-record breaking 8-1 victory against the New Jersey Rangers. Goals from Driesse (2), Scholz (3), Tirelli, Clarke and Greenwood have now put the Valkyries in the driver's seat heading into their final games against the second and third placed Rough Riders and Wildcats.

The Valkyries came into the fixture knowing that victory would see them a point clear of the Long Island Rough Riders.

Any worries of this pressure affecting the girls' were soon put to rest when, after four minutes, Nickolette Driesse did what she does best, running at the opponents' defense before striking from range to give the Valkyries an early lead.

Driesse doubled her tally just ten minutes later; a similar strike leaving Rangers' goalie Alexandra Couzo with no chance.

Stefanie Scholz began the game with just one goal to her name this season; she soon quadrupled this tally, completing an impressive hat trick for the Valkyries' third, fourth and sixth goals.

Scholz's first came following a neat exchange between strike partner Jasmin Corniel and Brielle Buis. Corniel providing the service for Scholz to slide home from close range.

Her second, ten minutes before half time, was a well-executed lob from range after a clever run in behind the Rangers defense.

Alicia Tirelli continued her scoring form soon after half time, following up her own header after it came back off the crossbar.

The only downside to this impressive performance came when, just minutes after Tirelli's goal, the Rangers were granted a penalty following a foul in the Valkyries' penalty area. Gabrielle Galanti stepped up and was just able to squeeze the ball beyond the outstretched fingertips of Valkyries' goalie Erica Keil.

However, the Valkyries continued their pressure with Ashley Clarke adding to her impressive tally for the season, before Scholz rounded off her hat-trick with another powerful run in behind the Rangers' defense.

TSF coach Krissy Greenwood added a late goal to set the new franchise record, beating the offside trap to finish cooly under pressure.

Valkyries Head Coach Mark White described the performance as “outstanding”, and stated, “We have really focused on keeping our feet on the ground this past week, and told the players that each game will be just as important as the last.  The players today were extremely professional in  their approach and took nothing for granted.  This win sets us up for an extremely exciting week.”

With the Rough Riders in action tomorrow the Valkyries can only wait and see how long they'll be able to hold onto that top spot for but White is confident.

“With the destination of the championship in our own hands, we will do everything we can to finish the season top of the league.”