DOLPHINS CELEBRATE HOME-OPENER WITH THRILLING OVERTIME VICTORY

Staten Island, NY - The College of Staten Island Women's Soccer Team earned their first win of the season in thrilling fashion as they registered a golden goal with 31 seconds to play in the second overtime to defeat the Golden Falcons of Felician University by a final score of 2-1. The win improved CSI to 1-2 on the season and kept Felician winless through their first two contests.

KEY MOMENTS

The Dolphins struck first as in the waning seconds of the first half when a long ball found the foot of Jenna Como in front. Como's initial contact with the ball sent a deflection off of Felician goalkeeper Alexis Lambertino which set up Emily Albano for an attempted bicycle kick that found the back of the net for the game's first goal. However, Felician didn't take long to respond as Aroa Herrero Nieto registered the equalizer less than two minutes into the second half on a long free kick over the outstretched arm of Dolphins goalkeeper Sara Villacres. This set the stage for a pair of overtime periods, the second of which saw the Dolphins pick up the golden goal when Nadia Evola followed a free kick that rebounded off of the crossbar into goal with only 31 seconds to play.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

The Dolphins dictated the pace of play in the first half outshooting Felician 5-3 and tallying the game's lone goal through halftime. However, Felician maintained immense pressure on CSI's defense in the second half with a 14-4 shot advantage. The overall advantage in shots for the Golden Falcons for the game was 22-10, an advantage which was amplified by an 8-0 disparity in corner kicks. Both teams took full advantage of their free kicks as well, opportunities which were afforded by the 23 fouls committed between the two teams.

COACH'S REACTION

For Brendan Guzman, it was his first win as CSI Head Coach, an achievement that meant a great deal to both he and his team. "I think it's a big step for both the team and for myself as a coach," Guzman said immediately following the win. "It's difficult to fight for 110 minutes, even moreso for a new coach. The win is very exciting for all of us, but we'll be right back to work on the practice field tomorrow morning."

DOLPHIN(S) OF THE GAME

The Dolphins of the game all contributed to CSI's first two goals of the season as Emily Albano earned a spot on the highlight reel with her bicycle kick goal, Betine Voigt-Pentzen set up the game-winner with the second of two excellent free-kick efforts, and Nadia Evola picked up the golden goal by following Voigt-Pentzen's rebound off of the crossbar and into the net.

WHATS NEXT

The Dolphins will head right back on the road this Saturday when they travel New Haven, Connecticut to take on Southern Connecticut State at 1 PM.