Senior Erin Clark put the icing on the cake for the WP Women’s Soccer team, netting a penalty kick after a crucial foul on the Roadrunners, securing a 2-0 NJAC victory.
The William Paterson side of the bleachers was exuberant after the official raised his arm signaling a foul on Ramapo. This was critical in the game for the Roadrunners, as they were behind late. The second free goal ultimately sealed the fate for Ramapo.
As Clark was gearing up to take that penalty shot late in the second half, she remained composed and locked eyes with the Ramapo goalie Gabby Matias. After the horn sounded for a final time, Clark spoke about her mindset while taking the penalty kick.
“My mindset was making sure it goes into the net no matter what for my team. It was not me that got the foul; it was my teammate, so I knew I had to make that goal for her, and me making it stepped up the energy a little bit more.”
William Paterson had a solid night offensively on the pitch with a goal five minutes into the contest by sophomore Michaela Kerr, her first goal of the season, making it 1-0 William Paterson. The goal was assisted by classmate Kiley Hines.
Over the course of the first half, the Pioneers had good ball movement up the field, communicated well, and made some dazzling passes to each other.
In the second half the Roadrunners came out with more intensity, pushing the ball up the pitch, hungry to score after coming up empty in the first half.
The Pioneers’ defense held strong against coach Abby Shiffler’s squad, putting pressure on the Roadrunners’ offense and making them feel uncomfortable the rest of the match.
The WP goalkeeper Sarah Mantilla collected five saves; she had a few key stops down the stretch that kept Ramapo scoreless. Coach Keith Woods of the Pioneers shared his thoughts on Mantilla’s play.
“She’s been phenomenal the whole year, not just tonight. She’s just very good at controlling the back for us and makes the key cutoffs when they cross the ball. She makes the key saves when we need her; she’s been defensive player of the week twice in the conference. So can’t complain about her.”
The Pioneers look to use this shutout victory as momentum when they return to the pitch at Pioneer Soccer Park to face Rutgers-Newark on Homecoming and the team’s Senior Day!
