Leaverton Tallies Third Game-Winner In OT Thriller Over UConn Senior Jen Leaverton scored in the 92n
QUEENS, N.Y. - Red Storm senior forward Jen Leaverton tallied her third game-winning goal of the season, with a golden goal opportunity in the 2nd minute of overtime against BIG EAST American Divisional rival, Connecticut on Sunday afternoon at Belson Stadium.
Leaverton's goal came off a tipped ball from rookie Caitlyn McLaughlin who redirected a long punt from keeper Kristin Russell. Leaverton one-timed the ball to the inside of the far left post as Connecticut's goalkeeper was aimed at the right side of the field.
"Today's win showed our team what we've known for quite a while -- that we're a pretty good team," remarked head coach Ian Stonein his postgame interview with StormTracker All-Access. "Playing against a fantastic competitor in Connecticut, and playing them the way that we did, where as the game wore on, we really broke their spirit, really showed what this team can do when we put everything together."
With the victory, Stone helped the program tally its 200th victory during the 25th season of St. John's women's soccer. The win was also win number 160 for Stone.
For Russell, she became the second Red Storm player this season to celebrate her 22nd birthday as a key player in one-goal victory. Russell's punt that led to Leaverton's game-winner was her first assist of her four-year career. Russell also passed Tina Fogg as the all-time career wins leader with 31. The St. Petersburg, Fla., native is the Red Storm's career leader in wins (31), shut outs (31) and goals against average (0.77).
Connecticut (4-4-0, 1-1 BIG EAST) took control of the game early, outshooting the Red Storm 9-3 in the first half. Red Storm sophomore Morgan Ritter gave the Red Storm a near opportunity with seven minutes left in the period as she brought the ball down field off a Red Storm clear. One-on-one with a Huskies defender, Ritter was forced out of bounds at the goal line. Ritter took the subsequent corner, which bounced out to senior Anna Torregiano at the midfield. Torregiano put the ball back in play with a high diagonal pass that found Patrice Casimir in the box. Casimir led the ball away from the UConn defense, but keeper Jessica Dulski came out to grab the ball away.
The teams went into their respective locker rooms scoreless after 45 minutes of play.
In the first two minutes of the second period, the Red Storm threatened with two quick shots. Sophomore Amy Marrontook a hard shot off her left foot that just went wide of the inside post as the keeper and defense were caught off guard and the score remained at 0-0.
The Red Storm continued to capitalize on the momentum shift, as St. John's outshot Connecticut 10-3 in the second half. As time wore down in regulation, Leaverton looked as though she would end the game in time as she attempted a shot in the 81st minute. Trying to slow down the pace of the possession, Leaverton accepted a cross from Kristina Quan. Waiting for the right time to strike, Leaverton caught the defense off guard again, but her attempt went just outside the far post.
Going into overtime, it didn't take UConn long to get a shot off as Cory Bildstein's attempt was saved by Russell in the 91st minute. With the possession, Russell punted the ball with the wind at her back far to the UConn 35-yard line. There, McLaughlin directed the ball to Leaverton, whose third shot of the afternoon found the net.
With the win, St. John's advances to 4-0-1 against Divisional-rival Connecticut in the last five games. Russell advances to 5-3-1 overall in goal and UConn's Dulski is 4-4-0.
St. John's will remain in the friendly confines of Belson Stadium for a pair of games against BIG EAST National Division teams. The Red Storm will host Villanova on Friday, Sept. 23 for a 7 p.m. contest, then Georgetown, who is receiving votes in the NSCAA Top 25, on Sunday, Sept. 25 at 1 p.m.
Next weekend is Camper Reunion Weekend! All St. John's campers are invited to return to Belson Stadium for a weekend of Division I soccer. Friday's game will also include "Commuter Appreciation Night."
