Quick Overtime Goal Gives St. John's 1-0 Loss To West Virginia

QUEENS, N.Y. - A quick overtime goal was the deciding factor in an evenly-matched game between the St. John's women's soccer team and West Virginia on Sunday afternoon at Belson Stadium. Despite a strong offensive presence in the first half, the Red Storm lost 1-0 to the Mountaineers, who received votes in this week's national polls and are in second place in the BIG EAST American Division standings.

Megan Mischler tallied her second game-winner of the weekend, as she scored the overtime goal for West Virginia in the 91st minute. Mischler also scored the game-winner for the Mountaineers on Friday at Syracuse, seven minutes into the extra period.

St. John's (5-8-1, 2-5 BIG EAST) started on the offensive early into the game, as Nicole Canning had a shot go wide in the seventh minute. A minute later, St. John's had one of its best opportunities to score as junior Jen Leaverton was set up on the left side. Just a couple yards from the goal, Leaverton one-timed the pass hard at the goal. With Kerri Butler, West Virginia's goalkeeper, beat, Leaverton's ball bounced off the inside of the left post and the score remained 0-0.

In the 17th minute, West Virginia had two corner kick opportunities both taken by Bri Rodriguez. Rodriguez's first attempt was blocked by senior Anna Torregiano, as it crossed close to the goal line. Her second was knocked wide by the Red Storm defense.

With impressive play by both the Red Storm and Mountaineers midfields, shots were limited to four for West Virginia (9-4-1, 5-1-1 BIG EAST) and three for St. John's in the first half and both team remained scoreless.

Coming in off the halftime break, West Virginia came back eager as Frances Silva had two quick shots on Red Storm goalkeeper Kristin Russell in the first two minutes of action. Silva's first shot went wide, but her second was stopped by Russell.

Rookie Amy Marron set up Torregiano with a shot in the 50th minute that just missed wide left. Marron came down with the ball with a fast break on the right side. The freshman forward centered it to Torregiano who attempted a chance at a goal.

West Virginia continued to turn on the pressure, eventually recording 18 shots. Silva had another attempt at a goal in the 56th minute. This time, Silva's shot from eight yards out drew Russell to the corner to preserve to scoreless tie.

Sophomore Patrice Casimir came into the game in the 64th minute, giving the Red Storm some fresh energy in the front. In the 78th minute, Casimir's speed proved beneficial as the sophomore got in front of through pass down field, resulting in a header at the Mountaineers' goal. Casimir's header hit the left post and bounced away and the Red Storm and Mountaineers remained at 0-0.

In the 88th minute, Leaverton had another shot on goal as she also attempted a header. Leaverton's shot was picked up by Butler.

In overtime, West Virginia capitalized on the momentum it had in the second half and scored a quick goal to end the game in the 91st minute.

Russell ended the game with five saves. Butler had two in goal for West Virginia.

All-time, St. John's has played 79 overtime games with a 22-19-38 record. Under Stone, the Red Storm has a 18-16-31 record. The Red Storm is 0-2-1 in overtime games this season.

St. John's split the weekend homestand, with a 1-0 victory over Pittsburgh on Friday.

Up next, St. John's will have another home weekend, hosting Seton Hall on Friday, Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. and Rutgers on Oct. 17 at 1 p.m. The Rutgers game is the designated Score For A Cure Day, where fans can sign up to donate to Breast Cancer Awareness. Both games will be played at Belson Stadium.