In a game statistically dominated by the Dolphins, it was Brooklyn College that got the better of the College of Staten Island women’s soccer team tonight, scoring a 1-0 winner on a late second-half goal by Cansu Usta.  The win dropped CSI to 9-4-2 overall and 4-1 in conference play, while Brooklyn lifted to 6-6-2, 5-0, respectively.

The Dolphins had every right to feel good about this one, controlling play for big stretches of the first half.  Still, the team was not able to muster a true golden scoring opportunity until the 37th minute, when a Rebecca D’Aloia shot banked off of the crossbar just shy of the go-ahead tally.   BC keeper Samantha Rodriguez made the only first half save by either team on a Krystina Rodriguez shot with just 1:22 to go in the half.

CSI had a 5-0 edge in shots in the first stanza.

In the second it was more of the same.  Both teams swung back and forth but it was CSI that had the better of possession.  The Dolphins were having problems finding the goal frame as eight of their first 9 second half shots sailed harmlessly wide or high of the goal.  Meanwhile, BC registered their first shot of the night in the 70th minute by Usta, saved by Nicole Mignone.

With both teams pressing for a goal, CSI peppered the BC final third with shot attempts, but on a quick rush up the field, CSI was called for a foul just outside the box, giving BC a golden opportunity with just under five minutes to play.  Usta took the shot and rocked it past Mignone to give the Bulldogs a 1-0 lead on only their second shot of the game.

In their last true chance, a Krista Anson shot with 2:49 left sailed wide, and BC hung on defensively to hang onto the win and what will likely by the CUNYAC Regular Season Championship.

CSI finished with an 18-2 advantage in shots (6-2 on goal) and a 5-1 edge in corners.  Rodriguez made six saves for the Bulldogs in the shutout win.  CSI’s Rodriguez led the way with six shots, two on goal.

The Dolphins are back in action and will finalize their CUNYAC slate when they play John Jay College on Saturday at 2:00pm at the CSI Soccer Complex.  It will also be Senior Day for the Dolphins.