New Jersey Wildcats News Release - www.njwildcats.com
Saturday, June 8, 2013
HOLMDEL, N.J. - The New Jersey Wildcats were unable to get it going on Saturday afternoon, suffering a 4-1 defeat to the Virginia Beach Piranhas at Saint John Vianney High School. The Wildcats battled to the end showing resilience to earn an eventual stoppage time goal from the team's leading scorer Jess Fuccello.
After some back-and-forth action in the early stages, Virginia Beach struck for the first time in the 26th minute. Forward Shan Jones broke loose in the middle of the field before finding some space from about 25 yards out. Jones powered a right-footed shot that Wildcats goalkeeper Sage Dovale was able to touch, but the momentum of the strike carried the ball off her hand and into the goal.
The Piranhas carried the 1-0 lead into halftime and came out firing on all cylinders in the second frame notching back-to-back goals in the 50th and 52nd minutes. Striker Esther Anyanwu carried the ball on the right side of the box before turning toward the middle and seeing Jones open on the left side of the penalty area. Anyanwu distributed to Jones who quickly settled and tapped it into the back netting to make it 2-0
Before New Jersey had a chance to regroup, Virginia Beach made it 3-0 just two minutes later. Midfielder Lauren Lover had possession on the right flank and sent a cross into the middle of the penalty area. The ball was well-placed for Ashley Braam, who headed it into the back of the net.
The Wildcats created a good scoring opportunity in the 62nd minute, with midfielder Lucy Goffe feeding Fuccello on the left flank. Fuccello turned toward the goal and hammered a hard shot that ricocheted off the crossbar. The ball then deflected back in her direction, and Fuccello quickly fired a follow-up shot that sailed just high of the frame.
The Piranhas put the game to rest in the 83rd minute as Nkese Udoh fed Anyanwu as Dovale came off her line. Anyanwu did well to chip Dovale to make it 4-0.
The Wildcats fought hard and the efforts were rewarded in the stoppage time as defender Jackie Cajigal sent a nice pass to Fuccello who raced forward before stopping to briefly freeze Virginia Beach goalkeeper Lauren Vetock. Fuccello quickly fired a shot to the far left post that was out of the reach of the outstretched goalkeeper.
The Wildcats look to rebound on Sunday afternoon when the team travels to Long Island to play the Rough Riders at 3 p.m. ET. The Wildcats' next home match is on Saturday, June 22, when it hosts the New York Magic at 3 p.m. ET at St. John Vianney High School in Holmdel. Tickets for all Wildcats home matches are now available and can be attained by calling 732-298-7619. Individual game tickets as well as team and family packages are available.