Photo courtesy of Ramapo Athletics
The Ramapo women’s soccer team lost their fifth match in a row when they were taken down by No. 9 The College of New Jersey on Saturday by a score of 4-0.
The Roadrunners fell to 1-8-1 on the season.
Despite being a heavy underdog, senior captain Kelsey Sutherland said the team was ready for the battle.
“They are a good team, but we are always up for the challenge. We knew we had to go in hard and confident if we wanted a positive result,” said Sutherland.
The Roadrunners only held the Lions to just one goal in the first half.
For most of the first half, the Roadrunners were able to hold their own and keep TCNJ from scoring, according to senior captain Bryce Knoblock.
“Coach [Abby Shifler] told us how they play and to keep them from getting the ball to the end line and crossing, and I think we all shut that down,” said the defender.
However, once the second half started, the Lions showed why they are the ninth-best team in the country, piling on three goals in the second half.
TCNJ found the back of the net in the 50th minute of the game, and then again 90 seconds later
The nail was put in the coffin when Juliana Franco scored on a breakaway in the 86th minute of the game.
Despite the loss, Knoblock was proud of her team’s efforts.
“I think we played one of our best games against them, but sadly didn’t get the turnout we wanted,” said Knoblock.
Sutherland echoed what her fellow captain said.
“Overall, we played hard with a lot of effort. It wasn’t the result we wanted, but it was hard fought. I was happy with the way we were playing,” said Sutherland.
The schedule does not get much easier for Ramapo, as they will hit the road for their next three games before returning home to face No. 15 Rowan.
Knoblock said that the Roadrunners need to stay confident with their chins high.
“I think we can beat [Rutgers] Newark and other teams, but we all have to want it. We have to work the entire 90 minutes.”
rmorik@ramapo.edu
