Drew scored twice in the first half and used a great defensive performance to knock off highly rated William Paterson, 2-0, at Ranger Stadium.
Christine Meconi and
Emily Weida scored within two minutes of each and the Ranger defense didn't allow the Pioneers, who are ranked sixth in the region, many chances. Ann Mularz went for quality over quantity as she made just three saves in net for Drew (7-4-3). Meaghan Baker had three saves for William Paterson (10-3-1).
It was Banner Night at Ranger Stadium as five local youth teams (Morris United Amazons, Butler Blaze, Randolph Explosion, Parsippany Elektrons and Parsippany Lightning) each brought beautiful posters to the game in support of the Rangers. After a stirring rendition of the National Anthem sung by Parsippany Lightning player Isabella Bucci (the best ever at Ranger Stadium according to long time Head Athletic Trainer Chris Ryan), the Rangers and Pioneers got going on a cold night on the turf.
Drew started well, but it was the Pioneers who had the first chance of the game. Amanda Kurdyla played a great through ball to release Ali Ruddy behind the Ranger defense. From 18 yards out, Ruddy slotted it off the far post for a close call for Drew.
As the half continued, the Rangers seemed to grow in confidence as they slowed down the Pioneer attack. After a spell of control, Drew took the lead in the 27th minute. Christine Meconi won a ball thirty yards out from goal and played it back to Sara Storer up from her left back position, tucked into the middle. Storer used a tidy turn and a couple of touches to draw some defenders before sliding out wide to Abby Dingle on the left. Dingle crossed back into the middle for Emily Weida near the penalty spot. Weida laid the ball back to Meconi just inside the 18. Meconi's blast took a slight deflection, but the keeper didn't have a chance anyways as it ripped the back of the net for the 1-0 lead.
Just a minute later, Weida doubled the Ranger lead. By pressuring the Pioneer keeper, Weida forced her into a poor clearance that she was first to. Just outside the post and 10 yards away, Weida buried her left footed volley to make it 2-0 Drew.
Suddenly armed with a 2-0 lead, the Ranger defense locked down the Pioneer attack. Most import was the terrific effort that the central defensive pairing of Kim Miranowic and Allison McCord did on Kurdyla. Kurdyla ranks 23rd in the nation in goals with 15, but tonight she was denied even a shot on target by the Rangers. Sara Storer and Emily Tine, both first-years out wide in defense, were outstanding as well. The game was one of Tine's best of the season as she and Storer won one 50/50 ball after another. Not lost in the effort was great 90 minute shifts from Meconi and Cailin McGrorry in midfield.
The Rangers kept killing off portions of the game without giving up much to the Pioneers despite their pressure. At one point, Drew was pinned back deep in its half for nearly four straight minutes, but did not break. In fact, it was Drew which had the first good chance of the second half when McGrorry headed Meconi's 65th minute corner just high.
Two minutes later, Mularz came up big in one of the few moments when she was called upon. Natale Buongiorno crossed from the left corner all the way across to Alyssa Tinari in the middle. Her left footed shot was headed for the low corner of the goal, but Mularz made a great diving save.
The Rangers were living on the edge, but came up with key tackle or interceptions time after time. The slowly killed off the clock until the Pioneers had a final chance in the 90th minute. Mularz came out quickly to grab a cross to end the final threat. The crowd counted down the final seconds of a great win for Drew.
Almost as important as the Rangers win, the Morris United Amazons won the banner contest with their wonderful poster.
The win keeps some good momentum going for the Rangers who head into a huge Landmark Conference weekend. Drew travels to Susquehanna on Saturday and then Goucher on Sunday looking to jump up into the top four spots for a playoff slot.
Soccer Game Summary (Final)
2008 Drew Rangers
William Paterson vs Drew Rangers (Oct 23, 2008 at Madison, NJ)
William Paterson (10-3-1) vs. Drew Rangers (7-4-3)
Date: Oct 23, 2008 Attendance: 200
Weather: cold, clear
Goals by period 1 2 Tot
-------------------------------
William Paterson.... 0 0 - 0
Drew Rangers........ 2 0 - 2
SCORING SUMMARY:
1. 27:00 DREW Christine Meconi (Abby Dingle;Emily Weida) - 24 cross, 20 lay off, 15 shot
2. 29:00 DREW Emily Weida (unassisted) - bad clearance, 20 first time left
Shots: William Paterson 10, Drew Rangers 7
Saves: William Paterson 3 (Meaghan Baker 3), Drew Rangers 3 (Ann
Mularz 3)
