The New York University women's soccer team defeated Rutgers University-Newark 2-1 on Sunday afternoon, November 15, at Gaelic Park in Riverdale, NY. In doing so, the Violets were crowned the 2015 Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Division III Women's Metro/Upstate Champions.
"I think it's really exciting to come away with the ECAC Championship," said NYU Head Coach Michele Canning. "I think the girls rebounded really well because they had such high expectations to make the NCAA Tournament and I think this was a great way to still prove that we're one of the top teams in the region."With the victory, NYU (15-5-1) set the program-record with 15 single-season wins and tied the record with 21 games played.
Leading the way for the Violets offensively all weekend was
Sharon Lee. The sophomore defender totaled five points on Saturday and Sunday with
one goal and an assist against Mount Saint Mary College on Saturday and another goal against the Scarlet Raiders (15-9-1) on Sunday. For her efforts, Lee was named the Championship's Most Outstanding Player.
"Sharon had a great weekend and really came alive on offense for us," continued Canning. "Her composure on the ball and decision making in the final third was outstanding."NYU took control of the Championship contest early, with Lee kicking off the scoring in the 14th minute. The Redondo Beach, CA, native was in front of the Rutgers-Newark net following a scrum off a cross. Lee jumped on the free ball and scored on the open net.
Lexi Clarke was the next player to score as the junior midfielder took a nice feed from
Teressa Fazio in the 70th minute and capitalized on a one-on-one opportunity against Scarlet Raider keeper Veronkia Tueros.
Rutgers-Newark did get one on the board in the game's waning minutes. Cristina Estremera converted on a free kick in the 89th minute from just outside the top-near corner of the box.
With the season-ending victory, NYU also bids farewell to its five seniors --
Melissa Menta,
Emmy Hattle,
Maddy Clappin,
Sofi Toohey, and
Nikki Brennan. That group was a core part of this season's ECAC Championship and last season's run to the NCAA Tournament.
"I am very grateful to our seniors," said Canning. "They have put so much energy and effort into the development of the program and it is great for them to go out with such a successful season.
"Additionally, it's great to finish on a high note and especially to set the program record for wins," continued Canning. "We were consistent throughout the season and I'm really proud of the effort that girls put in. I think that it is indicative of a bright future for us, since we have quite a few young players."
