Chelsea Spethmann
In a 1-1 week for the Gothic Knights, Spethmann had a hand in both of NJCU’s goals as the Knights knocked off St. Joseph’s College (LI) in a non-conference game on October 15.
NJCU defeated the Eagles (9-6-2) for just the second time in 10 all-time meetings as Spethmann scored once and added one assist while contributing a full 90 minutes to a defensive effort that allowed just two shots on goal in the first half and three more in the final 45 minutes.
Trailing 1-0 at halftime, NJCU controlled possession for roughly 75 percent of the game and registered the game-tying goal just under seven minutes into the second half. Chelsea Spethmann made a long throw in from the far right sideline that bounced off several players in front of the right post and caromed out of the box. Alertly, she followed the rebound and from just outside the top of the 18 on the right side of the box, struck a low shot with pace that beat the opposing keeper inside the near left post at 51:55. The unassisted goal game-tying goal was her second of the season and eighth of her career.
NJCU finally got the go-ahead goal at the 77:45 mark. Spethmann uncorked a shot from just outside the 18 that was blocked and caromed right onto the feet of teammate Brianna Taylor, who blasted a shot inside the far left post for a 2-1 advantage. Spethmann was credited with her third assist.
Spethmann finished the SJC game with five shots (one on goal). She also played a full 90 minutes in a 6-0 loss to #13/18 ranked The College of New Jersey on October 20, and her one shot in the game was on target.
