Win streak ends in National Semifinal for Generals
TOMS RIVER, NJ – Allowing their first goal in nine games, the #1 Herkimer Generals women’s soccer team lost to #4 Oxford Emory 1-0 in regulation on Friday (11/13) of an NJCAA DIII National Semifinal game.
Herkimer (17-2, 3-1) came into the game on a nine game win streak, outscoring opponents 22-to-0. Breaking that streak was Eagles’ Rachel West. The freshman took a shot-on-goal in the 42nd which hit the top of the goalie cross bar, then caromed off the ground and into the net past Herkimer’s Sydney Stanley (Schoharie, NY). It was Stanley’s third goal allowed the entire season, losing each game she has allowed a goal in through 19 games. Getting credit for the assist on the play was Selena Kelete.
In the second half, Oxford Emory didn’t allow Herkimer’s Teigha Ward (Ilion, NY) or Michaela Bianca (Guilderland, NY) to get going. Ward had scored in her last seven games, while Bianca scored in five of her last seven games. From it, Oxford Emory’s Daria Zarzeka earned the shutout, saving one shot in 90 minutes of play. As for Stanley, she saved one as well.
Up next for #4 Oxford Emory is #2 Brookdale. The Jersey Blues defeated #3 SUNY Broome 3-0 in the semis to advance. As for #1 Herkimer, they’ll face SUNY Broome in the third place game at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday (11/15). Herkimer has already defeated the Hornets this season, 1-0 at home during the regular season.
Score:
#4 Oxford Emory Eagles 1, #1 Herkimer Generals 0
Halftime:
Oxford Emory 1-0
EAGLES (18-0-1) Rachel West 1-0, Selena Kelete 0-1. Daria Zarzeka 1 save.
GENERALS (17-2, 3-1) Sydney Stanley 1 save.
-Giorgio Varlaro
