Melissa Gelardi scored CSI's only goal in the game

The College of Staten Island women’s soccer team saw their modest two-game winning streak snapped, falling to visiting St. Joseph’s College of Patchogue by a 3-1 count as part of non-conference play at the CSI Soccer Complex.  CSI fell to 7-4 overall, while the Golden Eagles improved to 9-5-2.

Despite steady play by both teams that featured good midfield control and a series of runs, it was SJC that controlled the tempo until ultimately scoring the game’s opening goal.  Bethany Bianco was the catalyst for the visitors, dumping in a cross from the left of goal onto the waiting foot of Jamianne Eden, who dribbled into the box and put a tally on the board at 16:15 passed CSI keeper Samantha Wysokowski.  The lead would stand until halftime, despite both teams being even with three shots apiece.

In the second frame, the Eagles began to take more control, frustrating the Dolphins defensively and leading good charges up the pitch.  Finally, SJC got the insurance tally it needed at 69:46.  Samantha Garcia found Elizabeth Pulaski, who was able to hit paydirt after CSI failed to clear a ball deep inside the box.  Needing a lift, CSI got what they needed via a bizarre goal by Melissa Gelardi less than five minutes later.  Gelardi scored on a one-bounce free kick from nearly 45 years out and to the left of goal.  Eagles’ keeper Katie McGarrell could not corral the ball as a CSI attacker and two defenders cut in front of her trying to get to the ball.  The ball ended up bouncing over the entire lot for the dubious goal.  Still, CSI had cut the lead to 2-1.

The Dolphins, however, failed to get another bona fide quality scoring opportunity, as the Eagles defense rose to the occasion.  Meanwhile, feverish open counter-attacks fueled another SJC flurry.  Twice the visitors hit either the crossbar or goalpost until finally, Garcia got a tally of her own with 6:09 left to play.  That proved to be all the insurance SJC needed as they clamped down for the 3-1 win.

SJC out-shot CSI, 17-5 (9-2 on goal), with McGarrell making a single save in the win.  After Wysokowski allowed two goals while making four saves, CSI went with Ashley Albanese in goal, with the sophomore allowing a goal while making two saves.

CSI is next in action tomorrow afternoon against Medgar Evers College at the CSI Soccer Complex at 4pm.