Rochester Battles RIT to 1-1 Double OT Tie in Key Regional Match
HENRIETTA, N.Y. – They call the winning goal in overtime – the 'key' play, if you will – a "golden goal". It's a change from a longtime classification of 'Sudden Death' with this phrasing meant to reward the success of scoring such a goal, not the disappointment of allowing one.
Well, in Thursday's 1-1 double overtime tie against RIT, Rochester got a golden save from goalkeeper Emma Schechter to preserve that result. Actually two such plays, one a save and the other a swat leading to a corner kick which proved harmless.
RIT entered the game ranked #22 in the Division III poll issued by the United Soccer Coaches. Both teams are ranked in the first set of regional rankings issued by the NCAA Division III Women's Soccer Committee. RIT is third, Rochester is fourth. The Yellowjackets have played each of the three teams ahead of them, two on the road, and they have a 1-1-1 cumulative record to show for that. Rochester defeated #1 William Smith, lost to #2 SUNY Geneseo, and tied #3 RIT. In just over a week's time, Rochester will host NYU, currently #4 in this poll.
Schechter's save and swat came against RIT's Christine Cataldo-Smith, who did score the sole Tiger goal of the match. The home team was pressing in the second OT. Abbey Saia played the ball from left wing to Cataldo-Smith inside the crease at the back post. As soon as she hit it, Schechter knocked it down. She tried again, but with minimal space between her foot and the ball. Schechter got a hand on it, pushed it wide of the right post, and the ensuing corner kick was untroubling.
With two and a half minutes left, the RIT duo reversed roles. Cataldo-Smith had the ball on the right side. She played it into the middle to Saia deep in the box. She turned and shot, and the ball rolled harmlessly past the left post for a goal kick. Saia had a great chance late in the first OT, too. Jessica Jones took the ball down the right touchline to the end line. She crossed it to the near post but Saia's volley flew wide.
Rochester carried the weight of play through the first half, forcing four saves from RIT goalie Alyssa Salls. Five minutes into the match, Cesca Shepherd chased a long ball in the box and Salls got to it first – barely ahead of Shepherd. Two minutes later, Shepherd nearly created a Rochester goal. She ran down the right side and crossed the ball through an open goalmouth. Robin deJong raced in to shoot, but her shot flew over the crossbar.
The scoreless deadlock broke in the 24th minute. Shepherd pushed the ball out to Carolyn Richards on right wing. She maneuvered for better shooting space in the penalty area, then lined a low drive under Salls that nestled in the left corner of the goal.
RIT got even midway through the second half. Saia had the ball on the left touchline. She played it to Cataldo-Smith in open space 30 yards from goal. With a step on the defense, Cataldo-Smith cut to the penalty arc, then inside the box. Schechter rushed out, but Cataldo-Smith was able to slip the ball under her and into the open net in the 67th minute.
Schechter finished with six saves and faced 16 shots. Salls made five saves with Rochester taking 15 shots overall. RIT is 10-3-1 now, Rochester 8-4-2. The Yellowjackets are idle until NYU arrives – the night after Halloween.
