Albany, NY - The Panthers got a huge conference win at home on Friday night under the lights. The Panthers knew what needed to get done in this game, and they were able to pull out the 3-1 win in the end.
The Panthers came out wanting to take home a win in this game. For most of the first half, the Panthers were able to control possession and keep the ball on Central Maine's side of the field. Whenever Central Maine did attack, the Panthers did a great job of clearing the ball giving the Mustangs no opportunities. The Panthers ended up being the first to strike in this conference matchup. The goal came off a pass from
Mya Wright (Liverpool, NY) sending
Ka'ena Kehano (Wailuku, HI) where Kehano touched the ball and ripped a shot that bounced off the right post and past the keeper to make it a 1-0 lead. The Mustangs did not go down without a fight, and in the thirty sixth minute, was able to tie the game at one off of a free kick.
The second half came, and the Panthers really took over and tried to control possession as much as they could. The defense was playing well, making sure the Mustangs had no easy chances. The Panthers were able to regain the lead thanks to the captains
Shannon Donnelly (Bethlehem, NY) and
Julia Roemer (Latham, NY) when Donnelly sent a ball up field that clipped off a Mustang, and found the foot of Roemer. Roemer went on to have a 1v1 with the keeper where she slid the ball right past her for the 2-1 lead. Not even three minutes later, Kehano had the ball in the corner, dribbling it out and ripping a deep shot from the side that soared over the keeper to give the Panthers a 3-1 advantage. The defense shined bright, but goalie
Mykala Brodzinski (Toms River, NJ) was phenominal in goal for the Panthers. Brodzinski tied her career high in saves in one game totaling 12 saves. She was making stop after stop, and making it hard for the Mustangs to get anything. At the final horn, the Panthers took home the win with a score of 3-1.
Head coach
Jonathan Woodrow was asked about what this win means for the rest of the season. Woodrow responded saying, "I think it was a big win, we have had some tough couple of weeks, some bumps and bruises, a lot of injuries, so this win was something we needed." He was asked his thoughts on Tuesdays matchup, where he went on to say "Definitely solid, we are going to take a couple days rest and get back to it early in the week, and this win was a good momentum shift for us."
After tying her career high in saves in a game, Brodzinski was asked her thought process on the game knowing she tied her career high and got the win. Brodzinski responded saying "I don't know, I am super hyped...everyone played really well tonight. I am super proud of my team, and I can't wait for the next one." She was then asked what the win means for the team going as the season end is quickly approaching. "You know what, we have had a bit of a rough season so far, so I think this just kind of solidifies that everyone is still in it, and I am hoping everyone has their heads in the right place now."
The Panthers will have a couple days off to prepare for their matchup against Word of Life on Tuesday at 5pm at home.
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