Ewing, N.J. (10/22/16) – The College of New Jersey used a strong second half surge to propel past the Kean University women's soccer team on Saturday afternoon in NJAC action.
The Cougars held a 1-0 lead through the break before the #7 Lions exploded with four goals in five minutes to the put game out of reach. Junior Abigail Emmert and senior Christine Levering each scored twice in flurry of offense that left Kean (10-7, 4-4 NJAC) stunned after playing a solid first half.
In the opening half, the Cougars were awarded a direct kick in the 28th minutes. After some confusion as to whether the restart was direct or indirect, Kendall Machak ripped a shot from 22 yards out that bent into the top left corner to give Kean a 1-0 lead. It was the third goal of the season for Machak and only the third score given up by the Lions in the opening half all season.
Playing from behind for the first time this season, TCNJ (14-0-1, 8-0 NJAC) came out on fire after the break. Junior Jessica Goldman roped shot from the left side that was destined for the right pocket, but Cougar goalie Laruen Healey made a diving save to punch the ball out of bounds. On the ensuing corner kick, Levering headed a shot on net that Healey batted out back to the box. Emmert was in position for the rebound and pushed a shot into the right corner to tie the game 1-1.
Just over one minute later, Elizabeth Thoresen beat her defender to the end-line and set a low cross in front of goal mouth. Levering redirected the shot in stride and the Lions quickly held a 2-1 lead.
A little over two minutes later, Emmert was in position again when a loose ball popped out to the top of the box. She lined a shot into the right corner for her second goal of the contest to make it a 3-1 game.
One minute and 11 seconds later, Levering capped the offensive outburst with a blast from 35 yards out into the top left corner. It was the 15th goal of the season for Levering.
The Lions added an insurance goal later in the half. In the 72nd minute, freshman Callen Vandermay delivered a corner kick into the box. Junior Kayla Bertolino sent a header on net that deflected off a Cougar defender and into the goal.
Healey (pictured left) stopped seven shots on goal for Kean while Jessica Weeder made three saves in net for the Lions.
Kean closes out the regular season on Wednesday when they host Ramapo College.
