Women’s Soccer Clinches ECC Playoff Position

BY CARLA PENNOLINO

With their last two consecutive shutout victories at home, the Queens College women’s soccer team advanced to a 9-3-3 record and clinched a berth in the ECC playoffs.

On Friday October 12^th, the Lady Knights defeated Roberts Wesleyan 1-0 on Knights Field in Flushing. The competition was fierce and the ensuring corner-kick marker came off the foot of junior Kristina Ikonomou in the 34^th minute of play.

Sarah Boucher has netted 6 goals for the Lady Knights this season. Photo by Carla Pennolino

“All game I had been taking corners that kept going over the keepers head that created a chance for us,” said Ikonomou. “So, I took advantage of that and over-hit my corner. Next thing I knew, the ball was in the back of the net.”

Following this victory, the Lady Knights marched into their next competition, against St. Thomas Aquinas College (STAC), on QC’s Homecoming Day, determined to walk away with a win. Shutting out STAC 2-0, the squad clinched a position in the ECC playoffs, a goal that they have had since the beginning of the season. Senior midfielders Sarah Boucher and Lorena Russi accounted for both of QC’s goals in the match.

Boucher and Russi, a dangerous offensive duo, account for 12 of the Lady Knights 20 goals in the 2012 season, netting six goals a piece.

“I’m glad I’ve been able to step up and be a bigger threat on offense,” said Boucher. “I’m hoping to score more in our final games.”

The two are also responsible for a combined five assists and 31 shots on goal.

“It’s the team performance,” said Russi. “The reason why Sarah and I are doing so well is because of the efforts of the entire team.”

Goalkeeper and captain Allison Breakey has been a key force in the QC net. Photo by Carla Pennolino.

Defensively, captain and goalkeeper Allison Breakey has been having a great year, said head coach Carl Christian. With 73 saves and a .839 save percentage, Breakey has been an instrumental force in the Lady Knights net.

“We’ve done so well this season, it is impossible to overlook the entire team’s performance,” said Breakey. “My defense and I only stop the goals; someone’s got to score them.”

The 2012 QC women’s soccer team has come a long way since their undesirable 2011 record.

“We are very happy to secure a winning season and get in the playoff picture after a disappointing 2011,” said Christian. “We are preparing and focusing to do the best we can in the playoffs. We are not content with just being there.”