Women's Soccer Overpowered by Albany Pharmacy

ALBANY, N.Y. – Despite a goal in the 19th minute by sophomore Shannon Fahy (Breezy Point, N.Y./Bishop Kearney) that tied the game at 1-1, the St. Joseph's College (Brooklyn) women's soccer team dropped a 5-1 decision to HVIAC foe Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences on Saturday afternoon at ACPHS Soccer Field.

St. Joseph's (1-5, 1-1 HVIAC) drops their first conference game of the year and have lost five of six while Albany Pharmacy (5-1-1, 3-0 HVIAC) has now won their second HVIAC game in a row following a win over Sarah Lawrence last week.

The Panthers got off to a great start early as they got on the board 51 seconds into the action on a shot off the foot of Sarah Cope that gave Albany Pharmacy an early 1-0 lead.

The Lady Bears would get on the board when Fahy won the ball off a goal kick taking it from midfield and maneuvering her way past four defenders before finding the back of the net for her fourth goal of the season to tie the score at 1-1.

The Panthers dominated the ensuing action but would not be able to break through again until Frances Ripepi fired a line drive from 20 yards out that got past St. Joseph's senior goalkeeper Nicole Farinella (East Patchogue, N.Y./Bellport HS) with seven seconds left in the half.

Despite holding a 28-2 advantage in shots, Albany Pharmacy was only able to stake a claim to a 2-1 lead heading into the half due to impressive goalkeeping from Farinella who finished the half with 11 saves.  

The Panthers came out of the locker rooms and dominated just like they did in the first half with Farinella having to make a save 22 seconds into the period. Albany Pharmacy continued to apply pressure to the Lady Bears defense before tacking on an insurance goal in the 52nd minute by Ripepi to give the Panthers a 3-1 lead.

Albany Pharmacy struck again in the 58th minute with a goal by Rachael Spina before concluding their scoring in the 81st minute when Ashley Salsedo fired a shot past Farinella.

Farinella finished the day with 17 saves in a losing effort while Fahy finished the game with the Lady Bears only three shots with two coming on net.

The Panthers ended the match holding a 46-3 advantage in shots.

St. Joseph's looks to bounce back from the loss as they travel to Lehman College on Monday, September 30th for a 5:30 p.m. matchup with the Lightning.