NYU women’s soccer dropped their last game of the regular season 3-0 to Brandeis University on Saturday, Nov. 3 at Gaelic Park.
The team fell to 2-4-1 in the University Athletic Association and 10-7-1 overall. All of the players felt the impact of the hurricane, as most of NYU’s facilities were not operational.
“Our practice fields over at Pier 40 were completely ruined, and my teammates and the coaching staff were all in different places, so we were unable to get together anywhere to train,” senior forward Serra Tumay said.
The Brandeis Judges took an early 1-0 lead after forward Dara Spital took a shot that wizzed right inside the right post. In the 25th minute, Spital found the back of the net once again to expand the visitors’ lead to 2-0.
The Violets had eight shots on goal, but the Judges’ goalkeeper, Francine Kofinas, turned away every attempt in a stellar shutout performance. With less than two seconds left to play, Haley Schachter secured Brandeis’ win with a goal, making the final score 3-0.
“It was a pretty even match and despite getting some great chances we were not able to capitalize on them,” Tumay said. “Although it was a great effort despite all the hardships suffered this past week, it was a tough loss and an unfortunate way of ending our regular season play.”
This game was also the Violets’ senior day, as it was the last regular season game for the graduating class. There are three seniors on the team, captain midfielder Serra Tumay, defender Monica Arnold and forward Ashley-Simone Makenzie.
“It’s been great to play alongside Monica, Serra and Ashley the past two years,” said sophomore goalkeeper Meg Patten. “They have and will continue to serve as a source of inspiration for everybody on the team, as they have helped us accomplish so much.”
Tumay and others are confident that the team will play in the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference Tournament, but the team has also had its eye on the National Collegiate Athletic Association tournament after missing out last year.
“Our team goal this year was to advance to the NCAAs, so we are hoping for that, even though our record isn’t in our favor,” Tumay said.
The Violets will learn of their postseason fate on Monday, Nov. 5.
Chris Marcotrigiano is a contributing writer. Email him at [email protected].
