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Princeton University Athletics
Princeton University
Rutgers
How Sweet It Es
October 08, 2002 | Women's Soccer
Oct. 8, 2002
Princeton, N.J. - Esmeralda Negron's goal at 66:59 was all the Tigers would need as Princeton defeated Rutgers, 1-0 on Lourie-Love Field in a rematch of last year's NCAA second-round game. With the win, Princeton remains undefeated, without a tie at 10-0-0 (2-0 Ivy). Rutgers slips to 7-4-2 (3-2-1 Big East) on the season.
In a physical match in which 30 fouls were called and five yellow cards dished out, four to Rutgers and one to Princeton, play went back and forth for the majority of the fist half. With approximately 20 minutes gone in the second, Kristina Fontanez was taken down just outside the top-right of the box by a Rutgers defender on a through ball played by Kelly Sosa.
On the direct kick, Elisabeth Bell's shot was deflected over the cross bar by leaping Scarlet Knight goalie, Christine Caldwell. Maura Gallagher took the ensuing corner. Negron was able to get a head on the ball, slipping it past Caldwell near post for the only goal of the game. "I like to be in those positions in tight games," said Negron. "I keep up the intensity at those moments cause I know that I want to score." With tonight's goal, Negron has a team high six on the season including three game-winners.
"We knew they were going to be fast and big," said Heather Deerin. "We tried to be first to the ball every time tonight rather then letting them set and turn up field. We played with a lot of intensity and for a little bit of revenge,"
Last season, Princeton was eliminated from the NCAA tournament by Rutgers on Lourie-Love field in a 1-0 loss.
"I felt that this was the best full 90 minutes that we have played this season," added head coach Julie Shackford. "It was a great game."
Princeton 1 Rutgers 0
Scoring Esmeralda Negron P 66:59Shots Princeton 12 Rutgers 6
Saves Princeton Jean Poster 1 90:00 Rutgers Christine Caldwell 6 90:00