JERSEY CITY, N.J. – The New Jersey City University (NJCU) women's soccer team punched its ticket to the postseason for the third consecutive year, rallying from a two-goal deficit to defeat William Paterson University, 4–2, on Wednesday, Oct. 29 at the Thomas M. Gerrity Athletic Complex. This marks the first time in program history that the Gothic Knights have made playoffs three consecutive years.

Senior forward Nyrohah Alvarenga (North Bergen, N.J./High Tech) led the comeback with a brilliant brace, scoring twice in under two minutes early in the second half to ignite the Gothic Knights' rally. Senior defender Gabriella Sharpe (Bayonne, N.J./Bayonne) netted her first career goal, which stood as the game-winner, while freshman Isabella Ramirez (Elmwood Park, N.J./Elmwood Park Memorial) capped the night with an insurance goal to secure the victory.

The Gothic Knights (10-6-2, 3-4-2 NJAC) dominated statistically, outshooting the Pioneers (6-10-2, 1-6-2 NJAC) 21–7 overall and 13–3 on target, while also holding a 5–2 edge in corner kicks. Senior goalkeeper Lorraine Valenzuela (Bayonne, N.J./Bayonne) was largely untested, needing just one save behind a solid defensive effort from Aubrey Gulbin (Scotch Plains, N.J./Scotch Plains-Fanwood), Kyanah-Belle Jean-Louis (Montreal, Canada/Washington Township (N.J.)), and Sharpe, who each played the full 90 minutes.

William Paterson jumped out to an early 2–0 lead in the first half. In the seventh minute, a rebound from a saved cross found Isabella Sarra, who capitalized to put the Pioneers ahead. Then in the 28th minute, Erin Clark sent a long free kick into the box that slipped through for a second goal. Despite several late first-half chances, NJCU couldn't find the back of the net and entered halftime trailing by two.

Head Coach Anthony Tuesta's adjustments at the break proved pivotal. The Gothic Knights came out energized and aggressive, immediately putting pressure on the Pioneer backline. In the 57th minute, freshman Somaia Roman (Union, N.J./Union) drew a foul in the box, earning a penalty kick. Alvarenga's initial attempt was saved, but she pounced on the rebound to cut the deficit to 2–1. Less than two minutes later, Ramirez sent a cross from the right corner that found Alvarenga for a sliding finish to level the score.

NJCU's relentless attack continued. In the 65th minute, Sharpe sent a long ball into the box that deflected off a Pioneer defender and rolled past the keeper for the go-ahead goal — the first of her collegiate career. The Gothic Knights sealed the win in the 78th minute when Ramirez blocked an attempted clearance from the Pioneer goalkeeper and calmly slotted the ball into an open net, making it 4–2.

From that point on, NJCU controlled possession, holding William Paterson without a shot over the final 12 minutes while adding four more scoring chances of their own.

With the victory, the Gothic Knights secure their third straight New Jersey Athletic Conference Tournament berth and now await the results of the remaining conference matches to determine their postseason seeding. NJCU will open tournament play on Friday, November 1.