Torregiano's Penalty Kick Gives St. John's 1-0 Victory Over Columbia In NYC Classic
QUEENS, N.Y. - Red Storm senior midfielder Anna Torregiano had more than one reason to celebrate on her 22nd birthday, as she scored the game-winning goal off a penalty kick in the 51st minute against Columbia in the St. John's New York City Classic on Sunday. The game-winner was the first goal of this New York City native's career.
"Anna is a great story in and of herself, growing up in Manhattan. She is just a natural-born soccer player," commented head coach Ian Stoneon Torregiano's goal. "After overcoming injuries over the past four years, for her being able to score her first-career goal on a penalty kick, on her birthday, against Columbia was so fitting. She has great technique and great composure, so we're really happy for Anna."
With the 1-0 win over its long-time local rival, St. John's finished runner-up in the NYC Classic, as Hofstra (2-1-0) was named the tournament victor, after defeating Albany (1-2-0) 5-0 in the first game of Sunday's doubleheader. From St. John's (3-2-1) Megan Klement, Jen Gibbons and Jen Leavertonwere named to the 2011 New York City Classic All-Tournament team. Klement, who played all 180 minutes over the two-game weekend, was awarded the tournament's Defensive Most Valuable Player Award. Hofstra's Laura Greene, who scored a hat trick in the Pride's win over Albany and four goals over the weekend, was named the Offensive MVP.
In addition to Klement, Gibbons, Leaverton and Greene, Courtney Breen, Brittany Butts and Tara Kerns from Hoftsra; Ashlin Yahr and Chelsea Ryan from Columbia; and Chrissy Klepper and Aubrey VanGorder from Albany were also named to the 2011 NYC Classic All-Tournament Team. Columbia (0-2-0) finished third in the Classic, followed by Albany.
Scoreless through 50 minutes of action it was a physical game on both ends of the field. Columbia held most of the offensive possession in the first half, as the Lions outshot the Red Storm 4-2 in the opening period. St. John's senior goalkeeper Kristin Russell (3-2-1) saved three of the four Columbia attempts. Columbia had five corner kicks to St. John's one, but was unable to score.
The beginning of the second half continued to be as physical as the first with no score through the first five minutes. St. John's broke the scoreless tie with a penalty kick as sophomore forward Jen Gibbons from Bellport, N.Y., was double-teamed and fouled in the box. Torregiano was chosen to take the penalty kick, the first of the season for St. John's. Her uncontested shot froze Columbia keeper Lillian Klein, as the ball wizzed just past the side of Klein.
With almost a full period left to play, St. John's was revitalized by the one-goal lead and turned the pressure on full force. The Red Storm got close to extending the lead to two, as rookie Deanna Murino, from Bohemia, N.Y., took a shot in the 60th minute that went just a foot wide of the inside left post and Gibbons attempted a shot at the top of the box in the 61st minute that went just high; but the attempts were as close as St. John's would get.
In the final 10 minutes, St. John's had two quick corner kick opportunities, both taken by Leaverton. The first went back to Gibbons on the sideline, but she was quickly swarmed by Columbia defenders. The second also went up the sideline, but was crossed in by sophomore Sandra Osborn. Osborn's pass attempt was cleared out of the box once again by Lion defenders.
Columbia almost tied up the game as Torie Goode got a close shot off just as time was expiring in regulation. Goode's shot was blocked by St. John's defense and Russell in the box as the horn sounded to signify the end of play at Belson Stadium.
Up next, St. John's has the week off from game action before hosting Yale on Sunday, Sept. 11. Kick off is slated for 4 p.m. and will be aired live on StormTracker All-Access. Sunday's game against the Bulldogs is ROTC Day and military, FDNY and NYPD Appreciation night. All military, FDNY and NYPD personnel get a free ticket to the game when they show their ID at the ticket window.
