MADISON, N.J. -- The FDU-Florham women's soccer team held down 16th-ranked The College of New Jersey Lions for nearly 70 minutes but a second half surge was the difference in a 3-0 loss on Tuesday night at Robert T. Shields Field.
The Devils (4-4) received an excellent goalkeeping performance from junior
Annie George, who made seven saves including several diving stops, which prevented the unbeaten Lions (5-0-2) from adding to their score.
Elizabeth Thoresen led the charge for TCNJ with two goals in the victory, while
Lauren Malajian scored once and added an assist in the win.
Both teams continuously turned away the opposition's offense in the first half with stellar defensive play. FDU-Florham's backline held strong for the first 70 minutes, consistently forcing the Lions to the sidelines and pressuring ballhandlers.
In the 13th minute, the Lions had a golden opportunity when
Jessica Goldman broke free for a clean look directly in front of the net, but George held firm on her line and stuffed Goldman's point-blank attempt to preserve the 0-0 tie.
The Devils' best scoring chance of the first half came in the 29th minute when
Brittni Calleo sent a corner kick into the box for a
Kelly Roche header that sailed just high over the cross bar. The Lions outshot the Devils 8-1 over the first stanza but the game went to intermission scoreless.
At the 69:28 mark, Malajian sent a well-timed pass through the Devils defense to Thoresen, who managed to stay onside long enough to catch the ball in stride and finish the one-on-one matchup with George. Two minutes later, the Lions struck again when
Brianna Cummings delivered a long through ball across midfield and past the Devils' backline, which Thoresen captured for a breakaway goal. Malajian netted the Lions' final goal in the 82nd minute, sealing the win for TCNJ.
Roche was responsible for both of FDU-Florham's shots as TCNJ prevented the home team's offense from kicking into gear.
The Devils return to action this Saturday, September 26 at 1 p.m. when they host Lycoming College.
