By: Vanessa Archer
On Oct. 10, the Brooklyn College (BC) Women’s Soccer team played against City College OF New York (CCNY) for their first game in the City University of New York Athletic Conference (CUNYAC). CCNY won with a score of 3-2. Both teams showed up and gave it their all, considering this was their first game in the conference.
The BC team brought energy as they warmed up together, practiced their drills, and held each other accountable through words of encouragement.
Freshman Teresa Arreola Rivas shared with The Vanguard, “Since high school, I always felt like joining a team really brings you into a community […] I have a lot of people that have genuinely kept me on top of my schoolwork and my skills when it comes to soccer.”
Freshman forward Krista Strader played a vital role in the day’s match, scoring 2 goals.
“It was a really good game, and we kept our own. I think we need to win a little more as a team to score the final one and cinch the win.”
Despite the 2 goals scored by Strader, the BC women’s soccer team couldn’t make a comeback in their match against CCNY. After CCNY opened the scoring in the eighth minute, leading to a 1-0 advantage, the Bulldogs came out motivated after halftime. Forward Scarlett Davis assisted Strader to score a goal at 53:23.
Senior and Captain Abigail Joseph shared that her jersey means everything to her.
“I wear it with pride. I’ve been number 6 since high school; it means my whole lifestyle since I started playing around 6 or 7 years old.”
As BC continued to play in the 2nd half, Strader extended her streak with another goal, assisted by Joseph, who crossed the ball from the right side.
Junior and goalie April Hartje shared insight into how the BC soccer team bonds.
“Before a conference game or an away game, we do secret cheerleaders; we would all write notes for each other and try to keep each other excited. It really brings the team together and keeps the confidence up.”
Junior Julissa Chino played midfield and shared her motivation before the game.
“It’s the drive to win and to be better for my team; sometimes I have my family on the sidelines, and I try to push for them too.”
“My goals for the rest of the season is to play confidently and believe in myself. Just really take it all in; this is the last time I’ll be on the field as a college athlete, and I’m still going to take everything I’ve learned with me and still play after college,” shared Senior and forward Imani Dickens.
Despite the rough patches, the BC soccer teams still fought to do their best and came together at the end. BC finished with an 8-7 advantage in shots and put five attempts on goal, while CCNY recorded seven shots, three on goal. The Bulldogs also got one corner kick, while CCNY finished with two. Key players were April Hartje, Abigail Joseph, Krista Strader, and Scarlett Davis.
The BC’s Women’s Soccer team will play next at York College on Wednesday, Oct. 14th.