JERSEY CITY, N.J. — The New Jersey City University women's soccer team battled through double overtime against the College of Mount Saint Vincent at home at Robert L. McNulty Memorial Field on Saturday afternoon, September 4. Shots on goal were taken by both teams, but neither successfully closed out the golden goal in the extra 20 minutes of overtime.

The Gothic Knights (0-0-1) ended the game in a 2-2 tie against the Dolphins (0-0-1). NJCU senior Tiana Ulloa (East Brunswick, N.J./East Brunswick) took the first shot of the game but was stopped by the Dolphins' keeper. Within the first 10 minutes, two offside penalties were given to CMSV. Jersey City junior Michelle Taras (Newark, N.J./Newark East Side), senior Jasmine Bass (Middletown, N.Y./Middletown) and sophomore Krysti Alejandro (Kearny, N.J./Kearny) all had shots on goal, but none made it to the back of the net.

In the 20th minute, NJCU senior Crystal Tepale (Passaic. N.J./Passaic County Tech) scored the first goal of the game after converting on a free kick opportunity following several foul calls on the Dolphins. Soon after, a yellow card was also given to CMSV's Cristina Britton. Jersey City sophomore Shea Ramirez (Bogota, N.J./Immaculate Conception) then had a shot on goal following drawing a foul in the 30th minute, but could not convert. After a handful of fouls were called on Mt. St. Vincent, NJCU senior Tiffany Depaiva (Union, N.J./Union) received a yellow card, but nothing came of it for the Dolphins. Ulloa ended the half with a low shot on goal that was saved by the CMSV keeper.

Throughout the second half, NJCU freshman Rachel Amaro (Newark, N.J./Newark East Side), Taras, sophomore Kim Brites (Carteret, N.J./Carteret), Ulloa and senior Genesis Torres (Colonia, N.J./Colonia) all took shots on the goal, but none were able to sneak it into the back of the net. In the 70 the minute, CMSV's Emily McCarthy missed two shots, but put the third one in for the Dolphins' first goal of the game. Minutes later, McCarthy managed to drive through the defense and score the second goal for CMSV. The Gothic Knights now trailed the Dolphins 2-1.

Good fortune stuck next for the Gothic Knights as, with a couple minutes remaining in the half, a foul was called on CMSV's Hannah Eschmann inside the box and Ulloa was awarded a penalty kick, resulting in another goal for the Knights and a ticket to the first overtime period. NJCU sophomore goalkeeper Angie Paz (Vernon, N.J./Vernon Township) made three saves during the first overtime period, while the Gothic Knights manadeg one shot on goal courtesy of rookie Josely Martinez (Paterson, N.J./Passaic County Tech). The game's final yellow card was given to CMSV's McCarthy following a dangerous play that resulted in a collision with Paz in front of the net, who was then subbed out for sophomore goalkeeper Marissa Lotierzo (Maple Shade, N.J./Maple Shade) due to injury with just over 10 minutes remaining in overtime.

Now in the second overtime period, Lotierzo was able to keep the match tied with one save for the Gothic Knights. Junior Arame Diouf (Weehawken, N.J./Memorial) took the only shot on goal for Jersey City in the final 10:00, but was unsuccessful. The second overtime ended with a NJCU corner kick, but the home squad was unable to convert, ended the match in a 2-2 stalemate to open the 2021 season.

UP NEXT:
The Gothic Knights will return to their home pitch, McNulty Field, to play Cedar Crest College on Monday, September 6, at 4:00 p.m. Follow all the action live on GothicVision.