Box Score JERSEY CITY, NJ – A two goal, 15 shot offensive second half, led the Saint Peter's women's soccer team to a 2-2 draw with Hampton University in its season opener. The Peacocks were paced offensively by senior forward Genesis Castrellon and sophomore midfielder Kelsey Nugent, which both scored one goal a piece in the contest.
"As the new head coach, today was the first time both myself and my coaching staff got to see our players in not only competitive game situation, but also in 11-on-11 action," explained head coach Melissa Sherwood. "I learned a lot about my players today, tactically, physically, and most importantly mentally. A nervous start to the game, disappointingly conceded an early goal and both goals easily rectifiable from our standpoint."
The Pirates scored early in the contest, notching a goal from freshman Kiley Barnes just three minutes into the contest, giving Hampton a 1-0 edge. They would score again in the half, this time getting an unassisted goal by sophomore Courtney James at the 36 minute mark, extending the Pirates lead to 2-0 which they would take into the break. Although the Peacocks were outscored 2-0 in the first frame, they outshot the Pirates 9-to-3, controlling the pace of the game, but just not finding the back of the net.
The Peacocks luck would change in the second half. After a missed shot high by Nugent and a saved shot attempt by Victoria Babcock, Castrellon managed to find the back of the net at the 53 minute mark to cut the Peacocks deficit to one-point. Just two minutes later, Nugent scored the equalizer on a shot that was initially altered by diving Hampton keeper Maya Andrews but managed to roll into the back of the net before she could recover and make the save. The Peacocks remained aggressive, getting eight more shots off in regulations, but failing to score the game-winning goal. The second period saw Saint Peter's outshoot Hampton a dominating 15-to-0.
In overtime, Saint Peter's manages to get two good looks but did not execute in the first extra period. In the second overtime, the heat and fatigue of both squads could be noticed as both teams got off shots but none were threatening enough to end the contest.
Overall in the game, the Peacocks outshot the Pirates by a remarkable margin of 29-to-4. Peacocks junior goalkeeper Taylor McLean had one save in the game, while Andrews stopped eight of the 10 shots that she faced.
"Although disappointed with the final result, there are positives to take from the game," added Sherwood. "The girls showed great heart and desire to get themselves back into the game in the second half. We had 29 shots to Hampton's four. On another day, with more quality in front of goal, the score line could have been much greater in our favor."
The Peacocks record improves to 0-0-1 as they continue their campaign next week when they travel to Wagner on Thursday, August 25 at 7:00 pm.
