It’s been nearly 10 months since the unforgettable match between Franklin Pierce and the Saint Rose women’s soccer team. The game ended in a 2-1 victory for Franklin Pierce in double overtime, putting an end to Saint Rose’s 2022 season. Now, these two teams are about to face off once again in their first conference action of the season as Northeast-10 rivals.
Coach Laurie Darling Gutheil of Saint Rose hasn’t forgotten the sting of last year’s defeat. She stated, “It was a very hard lesson to learn, but this year our first goal is to win our league. This game is our first league game, and we’re aiming for three points.”
The recent rankings reflect Saint Rose’s strength, with the team currently holding the No. 3 spot in the NCAA Division II United Soccer Coaches’ Poll, while Franklin Pierce sits at 14th. Gutheil credits the team’s consistent hard work for their success, saying, “We just have to stay consistent and do our work every single week.”
The Golden Knights, with their flawless 4-0 record, have shown immense resilience and character throughout the season. They faced adversity in their recent game against Daemen, falling behind 1-0 early on. However, they quickly responded with a goal from junior forward Mia Klammer, leveling the score just 42 seconds later.
Gutheil emphasizes the importance of perseverance in such situations, stating, “You’ve got to just persevere and continue to do what is quality and continue to build. Be persistent.” Despite facing defensive strategies from opponents, the Golden Knights continue to dominate possession, shots on goal, and corner kicks.
In their latest victory against Daemen, Saint Rose encountered challenges in breaking through their opponent’s strong defense. However, they ultimately emerged triumphant with a hard-fought 3-2 win, propelled by freshman midfielder Brielle Zink’s two goals.
Gutheil commended Zink’s performance, stating, “Brielle had a great game. Really pleased with her impact all over the field.” The game against Daemen marked the second time this season that the Golden Knights rallied from a deficit, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure.
One of the team’s strengths is their balanced scoring attack, with goals coming from seven different players. Gutheil emphasizes the importance of collective team effort, stating, “It’s something that we’ve really emphasized over the last month.”
However, Gutheil acknowledges that there is still room for improvement. She emphasizes the team’s desire to keep getting better and putting themselves in the best position to win. As they prepare for their highly anticipated rematch against Franklin Pierce, Gutheil states, “We are on the right path.”
